This isn't a novel with a plot in the traditional sense. Think of it as a long, passionate argument. The author, José Daniel Rodrigues da Costa, was a doctor in late 1700s Portugal. He saw his country struggling and believed it was suffering from a sickness—but not one you could cure with medicine.

The Story

The 'story' is Costa's diagnosis. He lays out all the ways he believes Portuguese society is failing. He talks about corruption in politics, laziness, greed, and what he considers immoral behavior. The title gives away his main point: he blames the 'vices and abuses of both sexes.' He doesn't let anyone off the hook. He criticizes men for being weak or dishonest leaders and criticizes women for what he sees as frivolous or improper conduct. The book is a sequel to an earlier work, continuing his rant about the social and moral decay he witnessed. There are no characters, just a very concerned citizen listing everything he thinks is broken.

Why You Should Read It

This book is fascinating because it’s so personal and so angry. You get inside the head of someone from a completely different time. You feel his frustration. While you might not agree with his specific complaints (some will sound very old-fashioned), the core feeling is familiar: the fear that society is losing its way. It’s a primary source that doesn’t feel like a dry history text. It feels like someone grabbed you by the collar and said, 'Let me tell you what’s really going wrong here!' Reading it, you start to understand the anxieties that were bubbling under the surface in Portugal before major historical changes.

Final Verdict

This is a niche read, but a rewarding one. It's perfect for history buffs who want to go beyond kings and battles and hear an ordinary (though very opinionated) person's voice. It’s also great for anyone interested in the history of social criticism or political writing. If you enjoy primary sources that have real personality—flaws and all—this is a compelling snapshot of a nation's worries, seen through the eyes of one very worried doctor. Just be ready for some strong opinions that haven't aged well.