A Situação Política by Alfredo Pimenta

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A Situação Política by Alfredo Pimenta

(2 User reviews) 701

By Maxwell Castillo Posted on Jan 17, 2026

In Category - Historical Travel

Authors: Pimenta, Alfredo, 1882-1950 Published By : Pimenta, Alfredo, 1882-1950

Book Language: Portuguese

Ever wonder what it was like to live through the collapse of a monarchy and the birth of a republic, not from a history book, but from someone who was right there in the middle of it? That's the feeling you get from Alfredo Pimenta's 'A Situação Política.' This isn't a dry timeline of events. It's a fiery, personal, and often controversial account of Portugal's political turmoil in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, written by a man who was both a sharp intellectual and an unapologetic monarchist. The main conflict here isn't just between political parties; it's a battle for the very soul of the nation. Pimenta argues passionately against what he saw as the chaos and instability of the new republican system, making a case for tradition and order. Reading this is like finding a secret diary from a lost world—it’s challenging, it’s biased, and it’s absolutely gripping because it shows you history from the inside, from someone who believed he was watching his country fall apart.

File: A Situação Política by Alfredo Pimenta

First published in 1910, the same year the Portuguese monarchy was overthrown, A Situação Política is Alfredo Pimenta's immediate and visceral reaction to a country in crisis. It’s less a structured narrative and more a collection of passionate essays and observations. Pimenta, a staunch traditionalist, uses his platform to dissect what he sees as the fatal flaws of the emerging republican government and the liberal ideas that paved its way.

The Story

There isn't a traditional plot with characters. Instead, the 'story' is the real-time unraveling of a nation. Pimenta walks us through the political landscape of his time, pointing fingers at corruption, weak leadership, and what he considered dangerous democratic ideals. He paints a picture of a Portugal that has lost its moral and political bearings by abandoning its monarchist roots. The central tension is between the old world of hierarchy and stability he champions and the new world of republicanism he believes is doomed to fail. It's a deeply opinionated tour of a revolution, led by a guide who is heartbroken and furious about the destination.

Why You Should Read It

You should read this not to agree with Pimenta, but to understand a powerful and often silenced perspective. History is usually written by the winners, but here we get the raw, unfiltered voice of a 'loser'—a thoughtful, eloquent loser. His arguments force you to think about the trade-offs between order and liberty, tradition and progress. Even when his conclusions feel outdated or extreme, the energy of his writing and the clarity of his fears are fascinating. It’s a masterclass in political rhetoric from a specific moment in time.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for readers who love history but want to move beyond facts and dates to feel the heat of the moment. It’s essential for anyone studying Portuguese history or the intellectual underpinnings of conservatism. If you enjoy primary sources that haven't been sanitized by modern hindsight, Pimenta’s fiery prose will captivate you. Fair warning: it requires an open mind. You're not getting a balanced account; you're getting inside the head of a brilliant, biased observer during one of the most dramatic shifts in his nation's history. Approach it as a conversation with the past, not a textbook, and you'll find it incredibly rewarding.