Images of Brazil in the years 1955-1956, through the eyes of the surrealist poet and French traveler Benjamin Peret

Abstract

French surrealist poet Benjamin Peret lived twice in Brazil: in 1929-1931 and 1955-1956. After a brief account of his busy and multifaceted life trajectory (1899-1959), the present paper aims to give an idea of the image (and images) of urban Brazil that Benjamin Peret included in his writings during part of his second stay in Brazil. Based on his correspondence (supplemented, as necessary, with other documents), this article focuses on two aspects: his view of Rio de Janeiro (sometimes contrasted with the memories of his first stay in the years 1929- 1931) and his notes and comments on his journey to the capitals of North and Northeast regions. The conclusion includes a review by the French writer of his second stay in Brazilian.