exhaustive narrative detailing the deeds of the monarchs and heroes of the Burgundy Dynasty or the wise leadership of Renaissance princes like King John II and King Manuel I, as well as the voyages of Portuguese navigators, we encounter a philosophical reflection on the origins of a small nation on the periphery of Europe and its gradual transformation into a vast maritime empire, comparable to the great powers of antiquity such as Rome or Carthage. The collection of articles is notable for its lack of a chronologically organised narrative, a detailed list of facts, and, above all, references to historical figures and key events in the evolution of the country. Instead, we encounter an intriguing series of reflections on political theory, military strategy, and also on the history of medieval and modern Europe. Certain passages in "History of Portugal" resemble a genuine manual on the art of empire-building, highlighting the advantages of maritime expansion over territorial domination. This perspective explains the successes achieved by Portugal in the 15th and 16th centuries, as well as those of nations such as the Netherlands and England in the subsequent period. Such considerations were undoubtedly of great interest to nations like France and Great Britain, which were then competing for hegemonic power status. However, the average reader would likely know little about Portugal's history between the 12th and 16th centuries, as the articles lack detailed information, omitting references to significant monarchs, heroes, and personalities, as well as chronological details and successful pertinent historical events. In this regard, the intention of the "French author" was to provide a broad overview of the evolution and transformation that occurred in Portugal during the above-mentioned period, drawing parallels with the historical processes of other empires and nations, both ancient and contemporary.

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