This book tackles a specific and intriguing mystery from Portuguese literary history. In 1896, a curious publication called Supplemento ao n.º 7 das Insomnias de Camillo Castello Branco appeared. It claimed to be a lost piece by the legendary 19th-century writer, Camillo Castello Branco, added to his existing work Insomnias. The discovery caused a stir. But almost immediately, doubts crept in. Was this really a posthumous find from the master, or something else entirely?

The Story

Anselmo de Moraes doesn't just tell you the story; he shows you his detective work. The book is a detailed investigation. He looks at the physical object—the paper, the printing, the handwriting on the manuscript. He digs into the timeline of Castello Branco's life and death. He questions who had access to his unpublished materials and who might have had a motive to create a "new" work under his famous name. It's less about a plot and more about following the clues, piece by piece, to uncover a potential literary hoax.

Why You Should Read It

If you love true crime podcasts or documentaries, but for books, this is for you. The thrill here is in the investigation itself. Moraes writes with the focus of a scholar but the curiosity of a fan. You get to peer over his shoulder as he examines evidence. It makes you think about how we decide what's real in history and what stories we choose to believe. It’s also a unique glimpse into the literary world of late 19th-century Portugal and the lasting shadow of a giant like Castello Branco.

Final Verdict

This is a niche but utterly captivating read. It's perfect for history buffs who enjoy a good mystery, book lovers curious about the "behind-the-scenes" of publishing, and anyone who likes seeing how a researcher connects the dots. It's not a light beach read, but a short, engaging dive into a forgotten corner of literary intrigue. You'll finish it looking at old books on your shelf a little differently.