Anphitheatrical Rio!

Marítimos americanos na baía do Rio de Janeiro, século XIX

Abstract

The American sea narratives are seldom read by the Brazilian historiography.
These narratives, composed by diaries, memoirs and fiction common seamen
and officers (such as Herman Melville and virtually unknown men), tell us
about their experiences in the Empire of Brazil mainly in the first half of
nineteenth century, when the age of sail came to an end. This article deals
with their experiences in the port of Rio de Janeiro, trying to demonstrate
how the North American presence was intense and narrated. These types
of testimonials are important sources for the history of the city and for the
inclusion of Rio de Janeiro in international maritime history as one of the
most important scales in long-haul routes in the period.