---
product_id: 12340103
title: "The Portuguese: A Modern History"
price: "KSh5060"
currency: KES
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 11
url: https://www.desertcart.co.ke/products/12340103-the-portuguese-a-modern-history
store_origin: KE
region: Kenya
---

# The Portuguese: A Modern History

**Price:** KSh5060
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** The Portuguese: A Modern History
- **How much does it cost?** KSh5060 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.ke](https://www.desertcart.co.ke/products/12340103-the-portuguese-a-modern-history)

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- Customers looking for quality international products

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## Description

Portugal is an established member of the European Union, one of the founders of the euro currency and a founding member of NATO. Yet it is an inconspicuous and largely overlooked country on the continent’s southwest rim. Barry Hatton shines a light on this enigmatic corner of Europe by blending historical analysis with entertaining personal anecdotes. He describes the idiosyncrasies that make the Portuguese unique and surveys the eventful path that brought them to where they are today. Portugal, which claims Europe’s oldest fixed borders, measures just 561 by 218 kilometers. Within that space, however, it offers a patchwork of widely differing and beautiful landscapes. With an easygoing and seductive lifestyle expressed most fully in their love of food, the Portuguese also have an anarchical streak evident in many facets of contemporary life. A veteran journalist and commentator on Portugal, the author gives a thorough overview of his adopted country.

Review: Excellent! - This was an excellent book, as an American born child of Portuguese immigrants I've always had a connection to Portugal. I've traveled many times and know of much of the beauty and customs that many haven't discovered. In an effort to learn more of my ethnic past I ordered this book. This is not your average history book, for me it was a page turner. The author covers centuries of information in clear, factual and interesting narrative style. Anyone looking to understand this great little country should definitely read this book. I'd admit, throughout it's chapters I felt a great amount of portuguese pride as you learn of Portugal in the age of discovery, leading the era of world exploration and it's beautiful cities. But I also felt plenty of anger and shame through Portugal's downfalls, slavery, dictatorship, etc. It truly was a roller coaster of emotions for me. I imagine, that those with Portuguese connections might have similar experiences. As the author, Barry Hatton explains, he could have left Portugal to work in great cities, such as New York or Brussels, etc. But his love of Lisbon and Portuguese life keeps him happy and fulfilled there. Knowing that allows you to respect his critical (and sometimes harsh) analyzes of Portugal. I highly recommend this book. I'm so thankful it was written!
Review: A very good read. - The Portuguese - A Modern History This book is a very pleasant surprise. It provides a concise and detailed history of Portugal by covering major events of the country's historic evolution. The main arguments flow logically and are easy to follow. The book includes many different and varied topics and it is pleasant to read. It shows how the country has evolved by describing major events that have shaped the society and culture of the country. The book even covers culinary, musical and folkloric traditions. Last but not least, it is written with love for Portugal and its people: the author feels blessed to live in Portugal. For the author, Portugal constitutes a personal choice of life. The book is a very good introduction to the people and history of Portugal. I never felt bored reading it. I would highly recommend it to all those who would like to learn more about a country for which we know very little.

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| Best Sellers Rank | #106,009 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #656 in Historical Study (Books) #777 in European History (Books) |
| Customer Reviews | 4.4 out of 5 stars 136 Reviews |

## Images

![The Portuguese: A Modern History - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81vI25ZVWsL.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent!
*by T***O on September 15, 2011*

This was an excellent book, as an American born child of Portuguese immigrants I've always had a connection to Portugal. I've traveled many times and know of much of the beauty and customs that many haven't discovered. In an effort to learn more of my ethnic past I ordered this book. This is not your average history book, for me it was a page turner. The author covers centuries of information in clear, factual and interesting narrative style. Anyone looking to understand this great little country should definitely read this book. I'd admit, throughout it's chapters I felt a great amount of portuguese pride as you learn of Portugal in the age of discovery, leading the era of world exploration and it's beautiful cities. But I also felt plenty of anger and shame through Portugal's downfalls, slavery, dictatorship, etc. It truly was a roller coaster of emotions for me. I imagine, that those with Portuguese connections might have similar experiences. As the author, Barry Hatton explains, he could have left Portugal to work in great cities, such as New York or Brussels, etc. But his love of Lisbon and Portuguese life keeps him happy and fulfilled there. Knowing that allows you to respect his critical (and sometimes harsh) analyzes of Portugal. I highly recommend this book. I'm so thankful it was written!

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A very good read.
*by V***S on August 4, 2016*

The Portuguese - A Modern History This book is a very pleasant surprise. It provides a concise and detailed history of Portugal by covering major events of the country's historic evolution. The main arguments flow logically and are easy to follow. The book includes many different and varied topics and it is pleasant to read. It shows how the country has evolved by describing major events that have shaped the society and culture of the country. The book even covers culinary, musical and folkloric traditions. Last but not least, it is written with love for Portugal and its people: the author feels blessed to live in Portugal. For the author, Portugal constitutes a personal choice of life. The book is a very good introduction to the people and history of Portugal. I never felt bored reading it. I would highly recommend it to all those who would like to learn more about a country for which we know very little.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ It's OK
*by A***E on March 9, 2019*

This book is OK. I thought it was a bit of a ramble and also too often dwelt on the decline of Portugal. I have never visited but I expect that the place is better than the author indicates.

## Frequently Bought Together

- The Portuguese: A Modern History
- Journey to Portugal: In Pursuit of Portugal's History and Culture
- Rick Steves Portugal (Travel Guide)

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*Product available on Desertcart Kenya*
*Store origin: KE*
*Last updated: 2026-09-17*