Camilo Ferreira Botelho Castelo Branco (Lisbon, Mártires, 16 March 1825 — Vila Nova de Famalicão, São Miguel de Seide, June 1 1890) was a Portuguese writer, novelist, columnist, critic, playwright, historian, poet and translator. He was also the 1st Viscount de Correia Botelho, title granted by King d. Luis. He was one of the most prolific and outstanding writers of Portuguese literature.
Some say that in 1846, was initiated into Freemasonry in the North, which is very strange or something contradictory, as there are indications that, around the same time, in the revolt of Maria da Fonte, fought the Miguelists as "Assistant to general Reinaldo Scottish MacDonell", who established the order of Saint Michael of the wing precisely to combat Freemasonry. Similarly, much of the literature demonstrates defend the ideals and conservative or traditional legitimistic, frowning the contrary to him.

Had an eventful life, which often served as inspiration for his novels. It was the first Portuguese language writer living exclusively from their literary writings. Despite having to write to the public, subject to the dictates of fashion, managed to maintain a very original writing.

In their work, is also his collaboration in various periodicals such as the Panorama Universal Lisbonense magazine, the Brazilian illustration (1856-1859), Portugal and Brazil contemporary Magazine (1859-1865), Archivo pittoresco (1857-1868), literary Gazette (1868) (also called Gazeta de Camilo Castelo Branco because of its extensive collaboration as editor), literary magazine Republic of letters (1875) , And Gambiarras oxygen ramps (1881), the illustration personal record (1884-1890), and posthumously in the magazines the week of Lisbon (1893-1895), Evenings (1901-1911) and flea market (1929-1943).