ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the extent to which books and French culture exerted a real influence on Brazilian political practices. Brazilian politicians read and declaimed French poetry about freedom while they were studying at the Academy of Law in Sao Paulo or carrying out their public duties in the capitals of the provinces. The chapter refers to the History of France and the subversive role of books and the press. There is no denying the revolutionary role of the printed press, whether it be in the anxious minds of the readers or in institutions. It was precisely because books can be regarded as both material and spiritual goods of a high value that the dominant classes in Brazil did everything to ensure they were only a luxury item and would be restricted to a small coterie who could enjoy them without being excessively excited by them.
