Brazil's name comes from the tree called brazilwood, used during 350 years to embellish with red color the clothing of powerful people in Europe, and for that reason it turned to be one of Brazil's export riches, collected to a large extent. Over those years, it even became the subject of a number of policies issued by Portuguese, French and Dutch governments; and produced funds to pay for the external debt created in order to enable the country's independence. That is why it was strongly endangered. 

This book tells this story and presents the present situation of the red wood, including its use for good music, onde the best violin bows in the world are made of brazilwood.