Manuel de Faria e Sousa, Portuguese historian and poet (d. 1649)

In the vibrant intellectual landscape of the 17th century, where the Iberian Peninsula pulsed with literary and historical ambition, emerged Manuel de Faria e Sousa. Born on March 18, 1590, in what was likely Pombeiro, Portugal, and passing away on June 3, 1649, in Madrid, Faria e Sousa distinguished himself as a prolific Portuguese historian and poet. His career transcended linguistic borders, as he frequently composed his works in Spanish, making him a significant figure in both Portuguese and Castilian literature.

Early Life and Formative Years

Hailing from an esteemed Portuguese noble family, the young Manuel de Faria e Sousa embarked on his intellectual journey with studies in Braga. By the tender age of fourteen, he had already entered the service of the influential Bishop of Porto, a position that likely offered him invaluable exposure to high society and scholarly pursuits early in his life. This foundation set the stage for a career marked by dedication to research and literary creation.

A Cosmopolitan Scholar: Life in Madrid and Rome

While his roots were firmly in Portugal, much of Faria e Sousa's adult life unfolded in the bustling cultural hub of Madrid. This Spanish capital became his primary home and workplace, cementing his bilingual literary output. He also experienced a significant period abroad, serving for approximately four years, from 1631 to 1634, as a member of the Portuguese embassy in Rome. This diplomatic role offered him a unique European perspective, enriching his understanding of history and statecraft before he returned to his diligent studies in Madrid, where he eventually passed away in 1649.

Domestic Harmony and Intellectual Pursuit

Manuel de Faria e Sousa found both solace and inspiration in his personal life. He was married to Catarina Machado, a woman whose grace and charm evidently captivated him deeply, as she appears immortalized as "Albania" in his poetic works. Their union allowed him to cultivate a studious domestic life, where the joys and responsibilities of raising his children were harmoniously balanced with his unwavering commitment to his vast collection of books and his relentless scholarly endeavors. This balanced existence fueled his extraordinary output.

The Historian's Pen: Chronicling a Global Empire

Early Success and Inquisitorial Scrutiny

Faria e Sousa's historical career gained early traction with the publication of his Epitome de las historias Portuguezas (Madrid, 1628). This concise yet comprehensive overview of Portuguese history was met with considerable acclaim, establishing his reputation as a formidable historian. However, his ambition soon led him into troubled waters. His extensive and erudite commentary on Luís de Camões' revered national epic, Os Lusíadas – a cornerstone of Portuguese literature – contained passages that drew the suspicious gaze of the Inquisition. In the 17th century, the Inquisition wielded immense power over intellectual and religious discourse in the Iberian Peninsula, and any perceived deviation from orthodox thought could carry severe consequences. For Faria e Sousa, this resulted in a temporary incarceration and, more enduringly, the permanent loss of his official salary, a stark reminder of the constraints on free inquiry during his time.

The Unfinished Magnum Opus: A Global History

Despite these setbacks, Faria e Sousa possessed an unyielding drive. It is said that he maintained a rigorous daily schedule, committing to twelve folio pages of writing, a testament to his dedication. His most ambitious project, a monumental history chronicling the presence and influence of the Portuguese across all parts of the world, remained incomplete at the time of his death. Nevertheless, his painstaking work was not lost. Several significant portions of this colossal undertaking were published posthumously in Lisbon, carefully edited by Captain Faria e Sousa. These volumes include the authoritative Europa Portugueza (1667, in three volumes), the comprehensive Ásia Portugueza (1666–1675, also in three volumes), and the detailed África Portugueza (1681). Together, these works represent an invaluable contribution to the understanding of Portuguese maritime history and colonial expansion.

The Poet's Voice: Baroque Expressions

Not merely a historian, Manuel de Faria e Sousa was almost equally prolific as a poet. His verses, however, were deeply influenced by the predominant literary style of his era: Gongorism. This Baroque movement, championed by the Spanish poet Luis de Góngora, favored intricate syntax, elaborate metaphors, and obscure allusions, often making the poetry challenging for contemporary readers. While a significant part of his poetic output was collected in the Noches claras (Madrid, 1624–1626), his most extensive collection was the Fuente de Aganipe, with four volumes seeing publication in Madrid between 1644 and 1646. These collections offer a rich insight into the complex and often ornate aesthetics of 17th-century Iberian poetry.

Beyond History and Poetry: Other Works and Enduring Influence

Faria e Sousa's intellectual curiosity extended to other domains. He authored Imperio de China i cultura evangelica en ~l (Madrid, 1642), a work based on information supplied by P. A. Semmedo, demonstrating his interest in global cultures and the spread of Christianity. He also undertook the important task of translating and completing the Nobiliário of the Count of Barcelos, a genealogical record of Portuguese nobility. The enduring scholarly value of his historical works was recognized beyond the Iberian Peninsula, leading to significant translations into English. J. Stevens notably translated his History of Portugal (published in London in 1698) and a substantial portion of his Portuguese Asia (London, 1695), ensuring that his meticulous chronicling of Portuguese exploits reached a wider European audience and cemented his place as a foundational figure in Portuguese historiography.

Frequently Asked Questions about Manuel de Faria e Sousa

Who was Manuel de Faria e Sousa?

Manuel de Faria e Sousa was a prominent Portuguese historian and poet of the 17th century, known for his extensive works on Portuguese history and his Baroque poetry, often written in Spanish.

When and where did he live?

He was born on March 18, 1590, likely in Pombeiro, Portugal, and died on June 3, 1649, in Madrid, Spain, where he spent a significant portion of his adult life.

What are his most famous historical works?

His most significant historical contributions include the posthumously published multi-volume series: Europa Portugueza (1667), Ásia Portugueza (1666–1675), and África Portugueza (1681), which together form a comprehensive history of Portuguese expansion.

Why was he involved with the Inquisition?

His detailed commentary on Luís de Camões' epic poem, Os Lusíadas, contained passages that raised the suspicion of the Portuguese Inquisition, leading to his temporary incarceration and the loss of his official salary.

Did he write in Portuguese or Spanish?

Although Portuguese, Faria e Sousa frequently wrote in Spanish, reflecting the cultural and linguistic intermingling of the Iberian Peninsula during his lifetime.

What style of poetry did he write?

His poetry was heavily influenced by Gongorism, a Baroque literary movement characterized by complex syntax, elaborate metaphors, and learned allusions.

Are his works available in English?

Yes, some of his major historical works were translated into English by J. Stevens, including his History of Portugal (1698) and parts of his Portuguese Asia (1695).