Featuring an introduction by Jorge Luis Borges' widow Maria Kodama, this existential collection features classic works by Borges, including my personal favorites: The Library of Babel (which I also see as allegory about literary criticism), The Aleph, and The Writing of God. Nearly all of the fiction within deals with the inability of humans to perceive the true nature or scope of the universe/reality/god, and the madness that comes with attempting to do so, while the non-fiction entries explore perception and belief. While the most (if not all) of the works in this slim volume can be found elsewhere, their inclusion together in this collection provides a look at Borges' work with an intense focus on his theological and philosophical insights, and is a great introduction to those new to Borges. ( )

Not a rating on content, so much as what you get for your money; after all, any collection that includes Funes and the Library of Babel, as well as the brilliant A New Refutation of Time isn't going to merit anything less than five stars. But these works are available elsewhere.

This particular (slim) volume of Borges's essays, poems and short stories centers on the theme of 'mysticism': the nature of time and the universe, musings on identity, memory, omniscience, forgetfulness, themes which infuse a lot of Borges's writings but which are especially prominent here. It also claims to include a number of previously untranslated works which a quick google search reveals to be five shortish pieces towards the end, none of which was especially standout in my view.

I suppose your ultimate impression of this book is whether or not you think these works attain a new significance collated and isolated like this. I'm glad to read any new Borges I can get my hands on, but for the money more could have been included. ( )

Not a rating on content, so much as what you get for your money; after all, any collection that includes Funes and the Library of Babel, as well as the brilliant A New Refutation of Time isn't going to merit anything less than five stars. But these works are available elsewhere.

This particular (slim) volume of Borges's essays, poems and short stories centers on the theme of 'mysticism': the nature of time and the universe, musings on identity, memory, omniscience, forgetfulness, themes which infuse a lot of Borges's writings but which are especially prominent here. It also claims to include a number of previously untranslated works which a quick google search reveals to be five shortish pieces towards the end, none of which was especially standout in my view.

I suppose your ultimate impression of this book is whether or not you think these works attain a new significance collated and isolated like this. I'm glad to read any new Borges I can get my hands on, but for the money more could have been included. ( )