A scholarly, influential overview of Brazilian culture and society as shaped by its ethnic, racial and social influences. It's the first English-language edition of the Brazilian author and anthropologist Darcy Ribeiro's (1922-97) scathing bestseller, "O Povo Brasileiro," translated by the Gregory Rabassa. Ribeiro was a Minister of Education, vice-governor of the State of Rio and Secretary of Culture and Education. He was also instrumental in getting Oscar Neimeyer's Sambodromo built in Rio.  (BZL21, $34.95)