Tropic of Sins: Morality, Sexuality, and the Inquisition in Brazil

In "Tropic of Sins ," a classic of Brazilian historiography, Vainfas analyzes social facts from colonial Brazil that are little known to the general public. Themes from the daily lives of our ancestors, such as concubinage, male and female homosexuality, and bigamy, are discussed both from the theological and legal perspectives, as well as in their practice within the bedroom. Vainfas's writings rediscover characters from all strata of our colonial society, from the slaves and the "small fry" to the clergy and the ruling elite. Patriarchy, misogyny, the Inquisition's control over morality, and the repression of heterodox sexuality are masterfully discussed.