Os Maias: Episodios da Vida Romantica is a naturalist novel by Portuguese author Eca de Queiros. As early as 1878, while serving in the Portuguese consulate at Newcastle upon Tyne, Eca had at least given a name to this book and had begun work on it. It was largely written during his later residence in Bristol, and was first published in 1888. The book largely concerns the life of young aristocrat Carlos da Maia in 1870s Portugal, where along with his friend Joao da Ega he spends his time making witticisms about society and having affairs. The novel uses the Monarchy's decline in Portugal (late 19th century), as a predominant theme, reflecting its author's own regret at his country's slow decay."