Papéis Velhos e Outras Histórias (Old Papers and Other Stories) by Machado de Assis is a portrait of the city of Rio in the 19th Century. His stories provide us with insight into old places and customs and reconstruct an urban space which today has been disfigured. This book brings together stories that highlight the importance of Rio, choosing to focus on the subject of humanity and its timeless vices, a favorite theme of the author. It is a true map of old Rio, from the time of Conciliation, in the middle of the century, to the late Republic of 1900.