Finally, FINALLY, a critical work on what is by far the least appreciated aspect of Borges's art, his humor. When Borges describes, in one of his most famous stories, "Tlon, Uqbar, Orbis Tertius," the intellectuals of Tlon as considering philosophy and theology to be sub-species of fantastic literature, he's not so subtly offering a key to understanding his own fiction, which is, among other things, a very funny, very irreverant send-up of humankind's quest for meaning. Is there a more sublimely ridiculous exercise than to prove, by internal Scriptural evidence, as Borges does in "Three Versions of Judas," that it was Judas, not Jesus, who was the Messiah? (Admittedly, not everyone will find said operation funny, but that's hardly Borges's fault.) These metaphysical jokes are fairly obvious, even if (inexplicably) overlooked by the vast majority of critics. Prof. De Costa, however, goes a step further in his inquiry by, paradoxically, staying on the surface. He pays close attention to the descriptions of spaces Borges creates, such as the bathrooms in "The Library of Babel," which require the user to do everything (EVERYTHING) standing up, or the railings around the bottomless air shafts in the same Library, which are too low to prevent very many fatal accidents. Such an absurd environment, seemingly designed by a fool (or perhaps a Marx brother), allows for plenty of potential slapstick, even if that slapstick's never realized. Borges's worlds are simultaneously zany and dangerous, or, to use De Costa's terms, funny and serious. Additionally, De Costa provides an excellent, exhaustive overview of Borges's scatological humor. (The gentlemanly Borges did, indeed, enjoy a good poop joke.) As an incidental bonus, "Humor in Borges" happens to provide an insightful study of Borges's affinities with Kafka. If you can't laugh at Borges, you can't understand Borges. This slim book is a major contribution to our appreciation of a major writer.

This volume of poems - I refer to the Spanish version - Elogio a la Sombra - makes my short list of my favorite books. Mr Borges infuses these poems with his characteristic mystery and inventiveness. But he proves himself capable of versifying as well - "Manuel Flores va a morir" comes to mind. His preface too is memorable for its simplicity and its humility, as well as its affirmation of a truism too easily forgotten: In this world, beauty is common. Although I have not held this book in my hands for 20 years, many of the lines from these poems remain with me still. I would certainly be eager to acquire a copy of this work

I think that this is a great journal for everyone. The theme of the cover makes you want to write a whole story. This is the journal to start with.

Tal vez sea uno de los mejores cuentos pergeñados por Georgie.

Since this began to read you don't know what happen the next secuence that's why you can not stop to read. All of book it's incredible because I never hear this tales. Sorry I can express well my ideas because I don't write in English.

Includes the following works: Fervor de Buenos Aires, Luna de Enfrente, Cuaderno San Martin, Evaristo Carriego, Discusion, Historia Universal de la Infamia, Historia de La Eternidad, Ficciones, El Aleph, Otras Inquisiciones, El Hacedor, Para Otro El Mismo, Para las Seis Cuerdas, Elogio de La Sombra, El Informe de Brodie, El Oro de Los Tigres

Borges is at his best in this stunning collection of essays. " A meeting in a dream" is a masterpiece, a beautiful essay on love by one known more for being metaphysical than romantic. The rest of the essays sparkle as well. WOnderful!

The translation is marvelous: I read them all before in Spanish. And the Selection? Amazingly good ! Congratulations to the translator! It`s not an easy feat to translate Garcìa Lorca or Sor Juana Inès de la Cruz...eoither The Master: Quevedo...or Machado ( the name is ANTONIO, NOT ANTONIA ) The person who selected the poems is really knowing... If you want to read and enjoy the very best of Spanish written sonets...This Book is a Poetic "Bible " Don`t miss it !