"The book represents a major contribution to a better understanding of the role of the military in Brazil, its foundational period, and the dynamics of its intervention in a critical phase in the country's history. I strongly recommend McCann's Soldiers of the Patria" - Canadian Journal of Latin American and Caribbean Studies "McCann brings to life the arcana of weapons procurement and army administration, especially the importance of the changing role of the chief of staff and the impact of the personalities who held it. He skillfully analyzes the culture of conspiracy, revolt, and amnesty that wreaked havoc with sensible and necessary army reforms, and he offers numerous insights into the major politial events of these years." - Journal of Interdisciplinary History "This is an excellent comprehensive account of the early history of the Brazilian army, meticulously researched and documented, well written and interesting..." - Iberoamericana "Overall, this is a readable, well-crafted work." - Choice "Drawing on extensive research in Brazilian archives, Frank D. McMann expertly analyzes the Brazilian army's involvement in political plots, its role in suppressing Brazilian opposition movements, and the participation of its officers in civil government." - The Historical Journal "This elegantly written book's most important contribution is its marriage of institutional history to an analysis of formal and informal political processes. It brings important new insights into the institutional and networking channels through which power flowed during a vital era in Brazilian history when the army became the vanguard of the state." - American Historical Review