"O Claro Riso Medieval" by João de Lebre e Lima is a scholarly discourse written in the early 20th century. This book, presented as a conference at the First Exhibition of Humorists and Modernists in Porto in 1915, delves into the topic of humor in the medieval period, challenging the prevailing notions that view the Middle Ages as a time of gloom and despair. The author aims to illuminate the aspects of
joy and laughter that thrived amidst the historical turmoil of the era. In this work, Lebre e Lima argues against the commonly held belief that the medieval period was devoid of joy and laughter, proposing instead that a rich, albeit often unrecognized, tradition of humor existed. Through an exploration of artistic expressions such as architecture, literature, and social commentary, he showcases how humor and laughter permeated various aspects of medieval life. The author draws upon historical anecdotes, artistic critique, and literary references to illustrate his points, ultimately portraying the medieval period as a time of vibrant humanity, filled with both struggle and an enduring spirit of joy. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
