published by andrea jakobsson,  historical geography of rio de janeiro (1502-1700) (geografia histórica do rio de janeiro (1502 - 1700)) by mauricio de almeida abreu, is a highly original text, divided into two volumes, abreu looks to unearth a place of the distant past - rio de janeiro in the 16th and 17th centuries.

the author steers clear of academic terminology, detailing in clear and accessible language a huge breadth of unprecedented geographic and historical research.

the work tracks in impressive detail the use, growth and mutations of space over these two centuries, considering how developments were influenced by the portuguese colonial system, local authorities and the church -  included is a vast array of images, charts and tables as well as rigorous historical text.