The Golden Girls of Rio


Book Description

The women athletes of the 2016 Summer Olympics captivated the world: Simon Biles, the most decorated American gymnast of all time; Katie Ledecky, who shattered swimming records in multiple events; Michelle Carter, the first American gold medalist in shot put; Simone Manuel, the first African American woman to medal in individual swimming. Their accomplishments amazed us, as did their personal stories of persistence and hard work. The Golden Girls of Rio focuses on the paths to glory for these women athletes, how they got their start and rose to meteoric heights in the Rio games. The other swimming and gymnastic teammates are included in the story as well. An inspiring story, bursting with color and action and life, that will make you smile to see these champion athletes as little girls, and to revisit their triumphs in achieving Olympic gold.




The Book of Rio


Book Description

It’s the city the rest of the world descends on to party…. whether for the spectacular annual Carnival, the sun-kissed beaches, the World Cup, or, in 2016, the Olympics. It’s also a place that’s sadly become synonymous with some of the excesses of partying, the dark underbelly that accompanies any urban hedonist’s destination. But these are just two images of Rio. There are countless others: opulent seat of two former empires; stronghold of brutal, twentieth-century dictatorships; sprawling metropolis stretched between stunning mountain tops and equally stunningeconomic extremes – from the affluence of neighbourhoods like Leblon and Ipanema, to the overcrowded slums in the foothills, the favelas. This anthology brings together ten short stories that go beyond the postcards and snapshots, and introduce us to real residents of Rio – the cariocas: young hopefuls training to be the next stars of samba, exhausted labourers press-ganged into meeting an impossible construction deadline (the nation’s pride being at stake), bored call-girls, nostalgic drag queens, married couples having petty middle-class domestics…. These are characters who’ve developed a deep understanding of Rio’s contradictions, a way of living with the grey areas – between the grime and the glitz – that make Rio the ‘marvellous city’ it is.




Rio: The Junior Novel


Book Description

From the makers of the Ice Age films comes a high-flying tale of a bird who never learned to do what birds do best—fly! Blu, a rare blue Spix's Macaw, has everything he needs—heart, attitude . . . feathers—but he's afraid he may never soar. That's all about to change in the magical city of Rio, where Blu has incredible adventures and makes new friends who show Blu he's always had what it takes to make his dreams come true.




"Civilizing" Rio


Book Description

A massive urban renewal and public-health campaign in the first decades of the nineteenth century transformed Brazil's capital into a showcase of European architecture and public works. The renovation of Rio, or &"civilization&" campaign, as the government called it, widened streets, modernized the port, and improved sanitation, lighting, and public transportation. These changes made life worse, not better, for the majority of the city's residents, however; the laboring poor could no longer afford to live in the downtown, and the public-health plan did not extend to the peripheral areas where they were being forced to move. Their resistance is the focus of Teresa Meade's study. Meade details how Rio grew according to the requirements of international capital, which financed, planned, and oversaw the renewal&—and how local movements resisted these powerful, distant forces. She also traces the popular rebellion that continued for more than twenty years after the renovation ended in 1909, illustrating that community protests are the major characteristic of political life in the modern era.




Rio de Janeiro


Book Description

Using Rio de Janeiro as the case study city, this book highlights and examines issues surrounding the development of mega-cities in Latin America and beyond. Complex dynamics of urbanization such as mega-event-driven development, infrastructure investment, and informal urban expansion are intertwined with changing climatic conditions that demand new approaches to sustainable urbanism. The urban conditions facing 21st century cities such as Rio emphasize the need to revisit urban forms, reintegrate infrastructure, and re-evaluate practices. With contributions from 15 scholars from several countries exploring urbanism, urbanization, and climate change, this book provides insights into the contextual and environmental issues shaping Rio in the age of globalization. Each of the book’s three sections addresses an interdisciplinary range of topics impacting urbanism in Latin America, which will be accessible to researchers and professionals interested in urbanization, urban design, sustainability, planning, and architecture.







Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide


Book Description

Rio de Janeiro, often referred to simply as "Rio," is one of the most iconic cities in the world. Located on the southeastern coast of Brazil, this vibrant metropolis is known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and lively atmosphere. Rio de Janeiro's unique blend of natural beauty and urban sophistication makes it a top destination for travelers from around the globe. From the moment you arrive, Rio captivates with its stunning scenery. The city is nestled between lush, green mountains and the deep blue Atlantic Ocean, offering a striking contrast that is both mesmerizing and inviting. Famous landmarks like Sugarloaf Mountain and the towering Christ the Redeemer statue are instantly recognizable symbols of Rio's allure. But Rio de Janeiro is more than just its scenery. It is a city that pulses with life and energy, where music and dance are woven into the fabric of daily existence. The rhythms of samba and bossa nova fill the air, while the vibrant colors of Carnival celebrations and local festivals light up the streets. This lively cultural scene is complemented by a deep sense of history and tradition, as Rio has been a key player in Brazil's story for centuries. Whether you're drawn by the promise of relaxing on world-famous beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema, exploring the depths of the Amazon rainforest, or delving into the city's rich history and culture, Rio de Janeiro offers something for everyone. Its diverse neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character, provide endless opportunities for discovery and adventure. In this travel guide to Rio de Janeiro, we will take an in-depth look at what makes Rio de Janeiro such a unique and compelling destination. From its storied past to the practicalities of travel and accommodation, we aim to provide a comprehensive guide to one of the most enchanting cities on earth. Join us as we explore the many facets of Rio de Janeiro, uncovering the magic that lies within this remarkable city.




Slave Life in Rio de Janeiro, 1808-1850


Book Description

Rio de Janeiro in the first half of the nineteenth century had the largest population of urban slaves in the Americas—primary contributors to the atmosphere and vitality of the city. Although most urban historians have ignored these inhabitants of Rio, Mary Karasch's generously illustrated study provides a comprehensive description and analysis of the city's rich Afro-Cariocan culture, including its folklore, its songs, and accounts of its oral history. Professor Karasch's investigation of the origins of Rio's slaves demonstrates the importance of the "Central Africaness" of the slave population to an understanding of its culture. Challenging the thesis of the comparative mildness of the Brazilian slave system, other chapters discuss the marketing of Africans in the Valongo, the principal slave market, and the causes of early slave mortality, including the single greatest killer, tuberculosis. Also examined in detail are adaptation and resistance to slavery, occupations and roles of slaves in an urban economy, and art, religion, and associational life. Mary C. Karasch is Associate Professor of History at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. Originally published in 1987. The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.