New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, (1987). First edition - Novel set in 18th century Portugal by this 1998 Nobel prize winning author. Included among the characters isPadre Bartholomeu Lorenco de Gusmao, who was ridiculed for his belief that man could fly, but in 1709 invented a rudimentary airship. Translated by Giovanni Pontiero. The first book by Saramago to be published in the US, . 303 pp plus translator's note.