This is more of a social history of Portugal than a chronological history. It doesn't follow a true linear path as to what happened when. I did learn more about Portugal than I knew before, but I was confused sometimes from the author's meandering ramblings. I did like the chapter on food. Made me hungry. I would have liked a chapter on port. The chapter on fado was also good. I may have to seek out another history of Portugal to get clear dates on what happened when and who was ruling at the time. It does seem like it would be an interesting country to visit. ( )

A little disorganised, particularly in the first half of the book, but a very readable and interesting history. ( )

A layman's engaging history of the Portuguese people, positive as well as negative, as they face modern Europe's economic and political turbulence. This is a great introduction to Portuguese history, if quite brief and sometimes anecdotal. I was looking for something brief - sort of a what-happened-in-which-order - rather than anything too serious or academic, so this was perfect for me. I have grown fond of a few Portuguese authors and knowing something about their country's history is helpful since I have to admit to having had very little knowledge past the Age of Discovery before. Recommended for someone looking for a glance at the country, but not written by an historian, so lacking should you be wanting something more in-depth. ( )

lido