The Azores, an archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean, have a rich and fascinating history. The islands were discovered by Portuguese explorers during the 15th century, with the exact date of discovery varying between different accounts. It is believed that the first sighting of the Azores took place around 1427, but they were officially claimed for Portugal by Gonçalo Velho Cabral in 1432. The islands’ remote location made them a crucial stopover point for Portuguese sailors during the Age of Exploration, and they played a significant role in establishing Portuguese maritime supremacy.

Throughout the centuries, the Azores served as a strategic location for Portuguese interests, and they were an essential center for agriculture, particularly dairy farming. The islands experienced periods of economic prosperity through trade and exports, including cattle and oranges, but also faced challenges such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and pirate attacks. In the 16th century, during the height of the Age of Exploration, the Azores became a transit point for goods, cultures, and even diseases between the Old World and the New World.

The Azores played an exciting role during significant historical events. For instance, they were a refuge for ships damaged during the Spanish Armada’s failed invasion of England in 1588. The archipelago also played a role in the early stages of transatlantic flight, with several pioneering aviators using the Azores as a stopover point during their journeys. Today, the Azores are an autonomous region of Portugal, known for their stunning natural beauty, unique biodiversity, and thriving tourism industry that attracts visitors worldwide.

Through Professor Luís Mendonça’s research and publication, Bruma Publications translated and published his book. In a brief and appealing format, the author brings up 70 questions and then gives us 70 answers about the Azores. The book is available through PBBI -Fresno State. Here is the info on how to order it:

24 dollars, including shipping and handling–checks made to Fresno State Foundation -request by mail made to

Bruma Publications-Diniz Borges (MCLL) Peters Building, Office 393 – 5245 N. Backer Avenue, M/S PB96 – Fresno, California 93740-8030

Please allow 3 weeks from the date order is received for shipping and handling.

History of the Azores: Questions and Answers is an important volume for those hoping to better understand the cultural origins of the Portuguese who settled the Atlantic archipelago. It is especially valuable for Azorean diaspora two, three, or in my case, four generations removed from their ancestral homeland who no longer speak the language and hold desperately to the few remaining cultural markers. It is sure to be prized by both the family genealogists hoping to learn more about the lived experiences of their ancestors and the scholar hoping to contextualize Azoreanness in light of transnational migration and ongoing mobility.

Michael C. DeMattos
University of Hawaii