Publication date:
29 May 2014Length of book:
128 pagesPublisher
Latin America BureauDimensions:
216x138mmISBN-13: 9781853398476
Seen as a successful ‘emerging economy’, Brazil walks tall on the world stage and its voice is growing louder. Its success, celebrated in the 2014 Football World Cup and the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, is attracting millions of foreign tourists.
Yet Brazil also faces huge challenges: to combine economic growth with measures to reduce the huge social inequality inherited from its slave-owning past, to respect ethnic and cultural diversity, to ensure a popular say in government, to meet energy needs while preserving the environment – especially the Amazon rainforest – and to adapt to climate change. Sporadic nationwide protests suggest that, despite the new prosperity and measures to redistribute income, the government has not done enough to satisfy the demands of the poor and emerging middle classes.
But for all its problems Brazil is still the country of sun, sea, sand and sex; the exuberance displayed in carnival. This short book, based on the best-selling Brazil in Focus, provides an introduction to the country for the student and traveller alike, people who want to know more about the real Brazil than is found in an ordinary guidebook.
“From football to the Amazon forest, Brazil Inside Out smoothly surveys the vast landscape of Brazilian society, economics and politics. Long-time Brazil hands Jan Rocha and Francis McDonagh share their expert knowledge in a compact and readable volume, perfect for the long flight down to the World Cup – and a second reading on the way home.”
Linda Rabben is an American anthropologist, human rights advocate and author of books about Brazilian and other human rights issues.
“Brazil Inside Out is a great short read for those who want to learn about this huge, fascinating, complex and contradictory nation, written with insight into what makes Brazil and Brazilians tick.”
Liz Throssell is a former BBC correspondent in Brazil
“Francis McDonagh and Jan Rocha cleverly capture the beauty and complexity of Brazil and its people in this concise, informative and highly readable little volume. It provides a clear account and a sensitive analysis of the colonial history, the indelible marks of slavery, the rich culture, the economic paths trodden and the political experiences of this giant country. The vibrancy of Brazilian life leaps out of the pages. A veritable kaleidoscope of photographs and word images contrasts the lot of the poorest sectors with the power and opulence of the rural elites – a constant thread throughout the work.”
Julian Filochowski, Chair of the Oscar Romero Trust
“Whether you are a regular traveller to Brazil or visiting for the first time, Brazil Inside Out Guarantees to entertain as well as to inform. Rocha and McDonagh are both expert insiders, but they wear their knowledge lightly. The result is one of the most
insightful, enjoyable introductions to Brazil for quite some time.”
Oliver Balch is author of Viva South America!
‘Latin America Bureau are past masters at providing informative and insightful introductions to the region. With this guide they’ve combined regional knowledge with football insight to produce the indispensable read for World Cup 2014, home and away.’
Mark Perryman, author Ingerland: Travels with a Football Nation