Borges, Jorge Luis (Vol. 19) - Introduction

Borges, Jorge Luis 1899–

An Argentinian poet, essayist, short story writer, and translator, Borges is one of the world's most respected literary figures. Borges's writings present a surreal, labyrinthine world of dream-like parables where there are few solid cause-and-effect relationships. Obsessed with fantasy and the idea of literature as "fun," this blind author has been described by William Barnstone as "a clever metaphysician who has given us an enormous and varied literature, ranging from re-creations of an ancient Chinese 'Book Guardian' to the characteristics of imaginary beasts." Borges has collaborated with Adolfo Bioy Casares under the pseudonyms of H(onorio) Bustos Domecq and B. Suarez Lynch. (See also CLC, Vols. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 13, and Contemporary Authors, Vols. 21-24, rev. ed.)