The Story

This book is the official record of the early years of King Afonso V, who ruled Portugal in the 15th century. It starts with him as a boy king after his father's sudden death, showing how he learned to rule under the guidance of his uncle. The story follows his major battles in North Africa, his efforts to solidify power at home, and the complex relationships with other European kingdoms. It's a detailed, year-by-year account of building a nation and expanding its reach across the ocean.

Why You Should Read It

Reading Rui de Pina is like having a direct line to the 1400s. He was there, in the royal court, writing this as it happened. You feel the weight of royal decisions and the high stakes of every alliance and conflict. It's not a dry history book; it's a primary source that lets you see how people at the time thought about power, duty, and legacy. The character of Afonso V comes through—his ambitions, his struggles, and the immense pressure he was under. It makes history feel immediate and human.

Final Verdict

This is a must-read for anyone who loves deep historical narratives and wants to go beyond textbook summaries. It's perfect for history buffs who crave original sources, fans of medieval politics, or anyone fascinated by the Age of Discovery. Be prepared for dense, old-fashioned prose—it's a chronicle, not a novel. But if you stick with it, you'll be rewarded with an authentic, unfiltered look into the mind of a king and his chronicler.