Jorge Luis Borges in Context

Jorge Luis Borges (1899–1986) is Argentina's most celebrated author, and this volume explores the numerous contexts in which he lived and worked, including the history of the Borges family and modern Argentina, two world wars, the Cuban Revolution, military dictatorship, and the Falklands War. It also examines his distinctive responses to the Western tradition, his appraisals of Sarmiento, gauchesque literature, and other strands of the Argentine cultural tradition, and his polemical stance on Catholic integralism in early twentieth-century Argentina.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 307 pages
Publication date: 24 February 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Jorge Luis Borges (1899-1986) is widely regarded as Argentina's most celebrated author. This comprehensive volume presents a comprehensive exploration of the various contexts in which Borges lived and worked, spanning from the history of his family and modern Argentina to two world wars, the Cuban Revolution, military dictatorship, and the Falklands War. It delves into Borges's unique responses to Western traditions, including Cervantes, Shakespeare, Kafka, and the European avant-garde. Additionally, the book examines his appraisals of Sarmiento, gauchesque literature, and other strands of Argentine cultural heritage. Furthermore, it sheds light on Borges's controversial stance on Catholic integralism in early twentieth-century Argentina, while chapters on Buddhism, Judaism, and landmarks of Persian literature showcase his engagement with the East. Finally, Borges's legacy is evident in the literature of the Americas, European countries such as Italy and Portugal, and the novels of J. M. Coetzee, representing the Global South.

Introduction:
Jorge Luis Borges, a renowned Argentine writer, left an indelible mark on literature with his profound and multifaceted contributions. Born in 1899, Borges's life and work spanned several decades, during which he witnessed the political, social, and cultural transformations of his country. This volume aims to present a comprehensive account of Borges's life and work, exploring the various contexts in which he lived and worked, from his family history to the broader history of Argentina, as well as his engagements with different literary traditions and cultural movements.

Borges's Family Background:
Borges's family history is intertwined with the history of modern Argentina. His father, Adolfo Borges, was a prominent lawyer and politician who played a significant role in the country's political landscape during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Borges's mother, Lucía Tizón, was a writer and educator who influenced his literary career. Growing up in a literary and intellectual environment, Borges developed a passion for literature and a deep appreciation for the arts.

Early Life and Education:
Borges's early life was marked by his intellectual curiosity and his love for literature. He attended schools in Buenos Aires and later studied at the University of Buenos Aires, where he majored in philosophy and literature. During his university years, Borges became acquainted with the literary circles of the time, including the members of the "Generación del 27" (Generation of the 27), a group of young writers who were influenced by the avant-garde movements of the early twentieth century.

Literary Career:
Borges's literary career began in the 1920s, and he quickly established himself as a prominent figure in Argentine literature. His first collection of short stories, "Ficciones," was published in 1925, and it marked the beginning of his prolific writing career. Borges's writing is characterized by its intricate and complex narrative structures, its philosophical and metaphysical themes, and its exploration of the boundaries between reality and fiction.

Influence of Cervantes and Shakespeare:
Borges's literary influences are diverse, but two of the most significant ones are Cervantes and Shakespeare. Cervantes, in particular, had a profound impact on Borges's work, particularly his novel "The Ingenious Hidalgo Don Quixote de la Mancha." Borges admired Cervantes's wit, humor, and ability to create complex characters, and he incorporated these elements into his own writing. Shakespeare, on the other hand, influenced Borges's exploration of the human condition and his treatment of themes such as love, jealousy, and power.

Borges's Responses to Western Tradition:
Borges's responses to Western tradition are multifaceted and complex. He often challenged traditional notions of literature and language, questioning the boundaries between reality and fiction and exploring the possibilities of literary creation. Borges's work is characterized by its playfulness, its irony, and its ability to create new meanings and interpretations of existing texts.

Borges's Engagement with the East:
In addition to his engagement with Western literature, Borges also had a deep interest in the East. He studied Buddhism, Judaism, and Persian literature, and these influences can be seen in his work. For example, his short story "The Library of Babel" explores the idea of a universal library, a concept that draws on Buddhist and Hindu philosophical ideas.

Borges's Controversial Stance on Catholic Integralism:
Borges's political views were often controversial, particularly in the context of early twentieth-century Argentina. He was a vocal critic of Catholic integralism, a political movement that sought to impose Catholic values on Argentine society. Borges's stance on Catholic integralism was shaped by his own experiences and his philosophical beliefs, and it reflected his opposition to the authoritarianism and repression that characterized the political climate of the time.

Legacy:
Borges's legacy is multifaceted and enduring. His writing has influenced generations of writers and thinkers, and his ideas continue to resonate in contemporary literature and culture. His innovative approach to literature, his philosophical and metaphysical themes, and his exploration of the boundaries between reality and fiction have made him a towering figure in the world of literature.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Jorge Luis Borges is a literary legend whose contributions to Argentine literature and culture are immeasurable. This volume seeks to present a comprehensive account of his life and work, exploring the various contexts in which he lived and worked, from his family history to his engagements with different literary traditions and cultural movements. Borges's unique responses to Western tradition, his engagement with the East, and his controversial stance on Catholic integralism have made him a towering figure in the world of literature, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence writers and thinkers today.

Weight: 456g
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108456050
Edition number: New ed