Evidence for Pombalism: Reality or Pervasive Clichés?

It was a great pleasure for me to be given this chance to write a reply to António Manuel Hespanha’s review of my book (O terramoto político (1755-1759) : memória e poder, Lisboa : Ediual, [D.L. 2007]. - 175 p.) in conjunction with Nuno Monteiro’s biography of José I, both of them dealing with the same period. Furthermore, these comments could mark the beginning of a debate that is fundamental for historians of 18th-century Portugal, namely on the genealogy and political meaning of Pombalism.