Julião Quintinha (1885-1968) and “o deslumbramento do Egipto” in Terras do Sol e da Febre (1932). Travel chronicles with the Ancient Egypt in the background

Abstract

Between 1925 and 1927, Julião Quintinha (1885-1968), a renowned Portuguese journalist and writer, traveled through Africa, between 1925 and 1927, visiting the Portuguese colonies, the Egypt, the Indian Ocean, and the Mediterranean and Red Seas. Thereafter, he left extensive documentation and information, either fictional or narrative, resulting from his experience, observation, and reflection, being, therefore, considered the pioneer of colonial literature. Among his various works, we highlight the one dated from 1932, entitled Terras do Sol e da Febre in which, as a result of his visit to Egypt, the Author shares a critical and enlightened look at the ancient Egyptian civilization. Through the last chapter, “O deslumbramento do Egipto”, we will collect and frame his insights on the “legendary Egypt”. Through his narrative, we will capture the representation and memory of the “supreme enchantment of the Egypt (...) of Cleopatra and the Pharaohs”, as well as the reception of its identity.