Call for papers 2025 2ns semester
HISTÓRIA - REVISTA DA FLUP - NUMBER 15, 2nd semester, IV Series, 2025
Thematic journal issue: ‘Camoens: Historical Approaches to the Poet and the Symbol’
Call for papers open until 30th june 2025
Coordinator of the Thematic journal issue:
Maria da Conceição Meireles (Faculdade de Letras da Universidade do Porto; CITCEM)
In celebration of the 5th Centenary of the birth of Luís de Camões [Camoens], História - Revista da Faculdade de Letras da Universidade do Porto (History – Journal of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, University of Porto) aims to enhance the understanding of the author’s historical legacy and his pivotal standing in the collective memory of Portugal.
Camoens is a historical figure who navigated a wide range of cultural and geographical worlds throughout his life, although many details remain practically unknown. Thus, his life and his work, especially his epic writings, have sparked multiple interpretations, meanings and even controversies for decades. These debates have only strengthened his status as a central symbol of Portuguese culture, both within Portugal and among the diaspora, especially in Brazil. Furthermore, he is regarded as a key figure in interpreting a new cultural vision within the Western context, an approach that has attracted insights from various parts of the world.
The interpretations of his work across different fields of knowledge, the numerous publications and translations, and the countless tributes and commemorations over the centuries reflect how different eras and sensibilities have engaged with this symbolic figure. The diverse arguments employed have supported a wide array of perspectives and approaches.
From the 19th century onwards, particularly with the rise of the concept of national identity and the emergence of ideological conflicts (evident in the 1880 Commemorations) the symbolism of Camoens’ figure was further consolidated. This period produced a growing number of studies on his work, which fostered innovative reflections that influenced national narratives. These discussions often revolved around themes of homeland, a subject that the poet-soldier himself had tackled boldly, with both critique and nonconformity.
Examples of such revisitations of his life, travels and works include Almeida Garrett, Camilo Castelo Branco, Gomes de Amorim, Latino Coelho, António Feliciano de Castilho, Oliveira Martins, Teófilo Braga, Afonso Costa, and Gago Coutinho. Equally significant was the widespread dissemination of Camoens’ work through editions aimed at the public and schools, as well as studies on iconography, astronomy, and exchanges and influence on foreign figures and literature.
In a selection that at times prioritised certain aspects of Camoens’ work while omitting others, dominant groups crafted discourses that validated historical and political decisions, including those in support of colonialism. Conversely, those who challenged the established powers also turned to Camoens to bolster arguments for reform and change. For instance, in 1969, an anthology of anticolonial texts compiled by Marcel Merle featured the speech of the Old Man of Restelo.
The 20th century, with its various regimes, continued to reshape the symbolic value of the poet and saw a renewal of studies on his work by prominent literary figures, contributing to a deeply cultural interpretation of Camoens’ legacy. Notable as well is the role of the 10th June holiday (which commemorates the ‘Day of Portugal, Camoens, and Portuguese Communities’), with its enduring continuities and metamorphoses over time.
Artistic expressions, especially in the visual arts and music, as well as in education and official curricula, also played a role in shaping the ongoing debate around Camoens, reflecting various choices and facing constant challenges.
Indeed, the Camonian legacy has multiple dimensions that continue to inspire academic reflection. We invite all interested scholars and researchers to submit proposals for articles that will expand the historical, comparative, and interdisciplinary studies on the poet, the symbol, and his symbolism and representations across different time periods and geographical spaces.
The journal welcomes original articles in Portuguese, Spanish, French, and English.
The Journal also invites submissions for the ‘Other Studies’ and ‘Book Reviews’ sections.
