Paper short abstract:

Through the O deslumbramento do Egipto, the last chapter of the book Terras de Sol e de Febre by Julião Quintinha, a Portuguese journalist and writer, we will capture the representation, memory, and reception of the identity of the Pharaonic Egypt in Portugal in the 20s and 30s of the 20th century.

Paper long abstract:

During the Research Project Tutankhamon em Portugal. Relatos na imprensa portuguesa (1922-1939), we came across a text about the archaeological discoveries in Egypt, published in the newspaper República, on the 24th of March of 1939, by Julião Quintinha (1885-1968), a renowned Portuguese journalist and writer.

Quintinha traveled through Africa, between 1925 and 1927, visiting the Portuguese colonies, the Egypt, the Indian Ocean, and the Mediterranean and Red Seas, in an exclusively journalistic journey of inquiry and study of the colonial life and indigenous habits, to be able to write some books.

Thereafter, he left extensive documentation and information, either fictional or narrative, resulting from his experience, observation, and reflection about overseas issues and problems. He is, therefore, considered the pioneer of modern colonial literature. Among his various works, we highlight the one dated from 1932, entitled Terras de Sol e de 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, as he calls it, namely on his arrival at the Suez Canal, the fascinating desert crossing, the mysterious charm of Cairo, and the wonderful Tutankhamun's treasures in the Cairo museum. 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.