Throughout his life, the communist Octavio Brandăo fought strenuously against oblivion. He is known for his book Agrarismo e Industrialismo, from 1924, a pioneering attempt of a materialist analysis of Brazilian society, and hold prominent positions within the Communist Party of Brazil (PCB) until the late 1920. His opposition to the adventurous and putschist tactics of the majority of the leadership led, however, to his marginalization within the party. Based on unpublished documents, which are in the Arquivo Edgard Leuenroth - Centro de Pesquisa e Documentaçăo Social, this article aims to contribute to a more thoughtful consideration of Brandăo's political and intellectual heritage.