The Lusiads
The Lusiads
Book Brief
288
Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction
Portugal And Indian Ocean • 15th Century
1572
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Lusiads by Luís de Camões, praises the Portuguese voyages to India under Vasco da Gama, depicting their journey as divinely inspired and heroic. The story blends history and myth, involving gods like Venus and Bacchus who influence their fate. Through ten cantos, it recounts their struggles with hostile forces, divine intervention, and eventual success, while glorifying Portugal's history and exploration efforts.
Adventurous
Inspirational
Melancholic
Contemplative
Romantic
Reviews & Readership
9,446 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Lusiads by Luís de Camões is lauded for its epic narrative and rich, poetic language that celebrates Portuguese exploration. Critics praise its historical significance and literary craftsmanship. However, some find its classical style dense and challenging. Overall, it remains a cornerstone of Portuguese literature for its grandeur and depth.
Who Should Read The Lusiads?
A reader who enjoys The Lusiads by Luís de Camões typically has an interest in epic poetry, historical adventures, and maritime exploration. Fans of Homer’s The Odyssey or Virgil’s The Aeneid will appreciate its rich, lyrical narrative and cultural significance in celebrating Portuguese discoveries.
9,446 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The title The Lusiads refers to the people of Lusitania, an ancient Roman province that roughly corresponds to modern-day Portugal, celebrating their maritime exploits.
Luís de Camões wrote much of The Lusiads during his travels, including a period when he was shipwrecked off the coast of present-day Vietnam, where he is said to have saved the manuscript at the expense of everything else.
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The 16th-century poem The Lusiads is often compared to great epic works such as The Iliad and The Aeneid, due to its structure and themes of heroism and exploration.
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288
Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction
Portugal And Indian Ocean • 15th Century
1572
Adult
18+ years
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