An admirer asks former president Jânio Quadros for an autograph and receives a surprising response!
Handwritten letter from Jânio Quadros to Mr. Peter.
One page.
In English. 13.8 cm x 17.4 cm.
Probably Brazil, November 18, 1978. Good condition.
Excellent condition conservation.
Unique piece.
Dear Mr. Peter,
I'm not important enough to send pictures, not to mention that I'm one of the ugliest men in the world...
Anyway, your letter made me very happy, best wishes to you and your family,
J. Frames
November 18, 1978
Jânio Quadros (1917 - 1992) was the first president to take office in the new capital, Brasília. He governed Brazil for only 7 months before resigning in 1961, one of the most unusual events in the country's history. His vice president, João Goulart, assumed power, which reinforced the resistance of the conservative and military elites, and which ultimately paved the way for the military coup of 1964.
Jânio was a charismatic leader who aimed to end corruption and, as a result, won over a large part of the public. According to historian Newton Itokazu, from USP (University of São Paulo), " Jânio had a meteoric political career and was a great negotiator" . According to him, " to get closer to voters, Jânio would fake dandruff on his suit and eat mortadella sandwiches during rallies". For Itokazu, " one of the most dissonant characteristics was the formality that Jânio used when speaking".
The funny tone, typical of the former president who played an important role in Brazil's contemporary history, makes this letter a special rarity.