Carpentier, Alejo 1904–

Carpentier is a Cuban novelist, poet, short story writer, editor, journalist, librettist, and composer. His wide scope of interests, which range from politics and botany to the mythology and music of primitive Indian civilizations, is evident in his highly complex novels. His variety, coupled with his concern for time, has brought critical comparison with Jorge Luis Borges. Los pasos perdidos (The Lost Steps) is one of his best known works. (See also CLC, Vol. 8, and Contemporary Authors, Vols. 65-68.)