Books on Capoeira

[Pipoca]

Recommend any books you've read here! It'd be nice to increase my library as I only have one book on Capoeira at the moment.

I am almost through reading Capoeira: Roots of the Dance-Fight-Game and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the history of our great lifestyle. It has words from such Mestres as Bimba and Pastihna, as well as legends and tales of long ago. It's an easy read and is available in both English and Portuguese versions. I'll be picking up Nestor Capoeira's other two books very soon as well. I've attached a picture of the cover of the book I currently own.

[Joaninha]

You have to read Capoeira: A Brazilian Art Form! It's by Mestre Acordeon (Bira Almeida), and it's excellent. It concentrates a little more on capoeira itself and a little less on the societal/political things connected with it, and he writes well. There are stories and legends in there too, in addition to a beautiful, personal parable towards the end. Happy reading!

[Mad Magazine]

My favourite is Nestor Capoeira's 'The Little Capoeira Book.' Admittedly it's the only capoeira book I've read, although I did have a look at the Bira Almeida book which was good. Little Capoeira Book has lots of pictures, and is good for basic movements with diagrams for takedowns and even some ofthe hand strikes.

[Pirulito]

Another great read is Greg Downey's "Learning Capoeira". Smart and always thought provoking. Very wide range of topics discussed. :D

[Pipoca]

Thanks so much guys! Keep 'em comin!

[Tanya]

The above mentioned books are good, but this one is my favorite: Capoeira: the History of an Afro-Brazilian Art

After a while (espcieally after the Assuncao book) everything seems to get repeated a lot in Capoeira books.

The one Capoeira book I didn't care for is "Capoeira and Candomble". The title is fascinating but there was very little substance.

[Leopardo]

I second Tanya's opinions- the Assuncao book is excellent...my favorite so far.
Of course, as for so many, my intro to capoeira literature was Nestor and Acordeon - and as good as they are - they definately promote a specific agenda and a philosophy.
My portuguese is lackluster - so I rely heavily on the beautiful translations by Raposa here http://www.capoeira-connection.com/main/content/view/120/148/

[Travado]

i did a review of Gerard Taylor's book here on my blog. check it out

[Angolinha]

Two other related books of interest include City of Women by Ruth Landes an important work on Candomble and Samba: Resistance in Motion by Barbara Browning with one chapter on Capoeira.

[El Abuelo]

One of my favorite is: Agua de Beber by Mestre Acordeón

[Pipoca]

I just bought 2 more books today!!

Essential Capoeira; Mestre Poncianinho

and

Capoeira 100; Gerard Taylor

Both of these are excellent sources. 100 is an illustrated guide on 100 different moves in the game and explains in good detail how to preform them along with when it might be acceptable to do so. Essential Capoeira is all about the basics and, well essentials of the sport. Please pick these up if you get a chance! I found them at "Barnes and Noble's".