Center for the Study of the Early Modern World

Alexsandro Menez is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Portuguese and Brazilian Studies. He holds several degrees in history and literature, such as an M.A. in Literary Studies (2017), an M.A. in History (2015), a Post-baccalaureate in Brazilian Literature (2016), a B.A. in History (2012). He is currently working on the dissertation project, “The Rebuilding of Portuguese Atlantic Empire through Printed Editions of Early Modern Manuscripts.” He proposes that the first editions of Early Modern manuscripts acted as a device employed by Portuguese intellectuals to establish grounds for diplomatic recognition over Africa, first explored during the 15th- and 16th-century navigation and disputed by other European powers, primarily France on West Africa. As a Book historian, Alexsandro focuses on the relationship between the Early Modern period and the 19th century through the following subjects: Portuguese Maritime history, Portuguese Empire Studies, and Portuguese Nationalism. His research has been published in several peer-reviewed journals as well as been funded by renowned foundations from Brazil, Portugal, and the United States.