ABSTRACT
The aim of this study, using Pierre Bourdieu’s field theory, is to demonstrate that in early 20th century Brazil there already existed a field of geography connected to the teaching of geography and geographical societies. To do so, is sought to trace the life trajectory of Themístocles Sávio, a military figure who participated in the Rio de Janeiro Geographic Society and authored a widely influential textbook, adopted by several schools at a time when geography education was not uniform nationwide. His work covers a range of concerns common to field members, such as the production of useful and practical knowledge, the advancement of cartographic knowledge, and the exaltation of nationalism – proposals that are subordinated to the selection of canonical authors, universally seen as the main theorists of geography.
KEYWORDS
Teaching of geography; geographical societies; military