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Gently used with light wear on the cover and corners. May have some writing or highlighting. Dust jacket or extras might be missing. May be ex-library copy. Ships direct from Amazon! Gently used with light wear on the cover and corners. May have some writing or highlighting. Dust jacket or extras might be missing. May be ex-library copy. Ships direct from Amazon! See less
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Jorge Luis Borges
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Collected Fictions Paperback – Deckle Edge, September 1, 1999

by Jorge Luis Borges (Author), Andrew Hurley (Translator)
4.8 out of 5 stars 1,058 ratings
#1 Best Seller in Caribbean & Latin American Literature
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For the first time in English, all the fiction by the writer who has been called “the greatest Spanish-language writer of our century” collected in a single volume

“An event, and cause for celebration.”—The New York Times

A Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition with flaps and deckle-edged paper
 
For some fifty years, in intriguing and ingenious fictions that reimagined the very form of the short story—from his 1935 debut with A Universal History of Iniquity through his immensely influential collections Ficciones and The Aleph, the enigmatic prose poems of The Maker, up to his final work in the 1980s, Shakespeare’s Memory—Jorge Luis Borges returned again and again to his celebrated themes: dreams, duels, labyrinths, mirrors, infinite libraries, the manipulations of chance, gauchos, knife fighters, tigers, and the elusive nature of identity itself. Playfully experimenting with ostensibly subliterary genres, he took the detective story and turned it into metaphysics; he took fantasy writing and made it, with its questioning and reinventing of everyday reality, central to the craft of fiction; he took the literary essay and put it to use reviewing wholly imaginary books.

Bringing together for the first time in English all of Borges’s magical stories, and all of them newly rendered into English in brilliant translations by Andrew Hurley, Collected Fictions is the perfect one-volume compendium for all who have long loved Borges, and a superb introduction to the master’s work for all who have yet to discover this singular genius.

For more than seventy-five years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 2,000 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
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  1. Print length
    565 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Penguin Books
  4. Publication date
    September 1, 1999
  5. Grade level
    12 and up
  6. Reading age
    18 years and up
  7. Dimensions
    8.37 x 5.78 x 1.5 inches
  8. ISBN-10
    0140286802
  9. ISBN-13
    978-0140286809
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Editorial Reviews

Review

A New York Times Notable Book
 
“A marvelous new collection of stories by one of the most remarkable writers of our century.” —The New York Times

“The major work of probably the most influential Latin American writer of the century.” —The Washington Post

“An unparalleled treasury of marvels . . . Along with a tiny cohort of peers, and seers (Kafka and Joyce come to mind), Borges is more than a stunning storyteller and a brilliant stylist; he’s a mirror who reflects the spirit of his time.” —Chicago Tribune

“This book is a real feast, prepared by one of the greatest modern confectioners of sheer fiction.” —The Seattle Times

“An event worth of celebration . . . Hurley deserves our enthusiastic praise for this monumental piece of work.” —San Francisco Chronicle

“Beneath Borges’s paradoxical twists and inverted spells there is the deeper, ineffably human magic of all great literature.” —Los Angeles Times

“Borges is the most important Spanish-language writer since Cervantes. . . . To have denied him the Nobel Prize is as bad as the case of Joyce, Proust, and Kafka.” —Mario Vargas Llosa

“Though so different in style, two writers have offered us an image for the next millennium: Joyce and Borges. The first designed with words what the second designed with ideas: the original, the one and only World Wide Web. The Real Thing. The rest will remain simply virtual.” —Umberto Eco

“It is a deep pleasure to read the Collected Fictions of Borges in Andrew Hurley’s capable new version. Old favorites like ‘Death and the Compass’ and ‘The Immortal’ are revivified by Hurley. There is also a particular satisfaction in having all of the stories in one volume.” —Harold Bloom

“What are we to make of him? The economy of his prose, the tact of his imagery, the courage of his thought are there to be admired and emulated. In resounding the note of the marvelous last struck in English by Wells and Chesterton, in permitting infinity to enter and distort his imagination, he has lifted fiction away from the flat earth where most of our novels and short stories still take place.” —John Updike

“When I read a good book, I sometimes like to think I might be capable of writing something similar, but never, in my wildest dreams, could I write anything that approaches the level of cleverness and intellect and madness of Borges. I don’t think anyone could.” —Daniel Radcliffe

About the Author

Jorge Luis Borges was born in Buenos Aires in 1989 and was educated in Europe. One of the most widely acclaimed writers of our time, he published many collections of poems, essays, and short stories before his death in Geneva in June 1986. In 1961 Borges shared the International Publisher’s prize with Samuel Beckett. The Ingram Merrill Foundation granted him its Annual Literary Award in 1966 for his “outstanding contribution to literature.” In 1971 Columbia University awarded him the first of many degrees of Doctor of Letters, honoris causa (eventually the list included both Oxford and Cambridge), that he was to receive from the English-speaking world. In 1971 he also received the fifth biennial Jerusalem Prize and in 1973 was given one of Mexico’s most prestigious cultural awards, the Alfonso Reyes Prize. In 1980 he shared with Gerardo Diego the Cervantes Prize, the Spanish world’s highest literary accolade. Borges was Director of the Argentine National Library from 1955 until 1973. 

Andrew Hurley (editor/translator) is a translator of numerous works of literature, criticism, history, and memoir. He is professor emeritus at the University of Puerto Rico.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Penguin Books
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 1, 1999
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 565 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0140286802
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0140286809
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 18 years and up
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.37 x 5.78 x 1.5 inches
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 12 and up
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 out of 5 stars 1,058 ratings

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  1. Jorge Luis Borges

    Jorge Luis Borges

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    Jorge Francisco Isidoro Luis Borges KBE (/ˈbɔːrhɛs/; Spanish: [ˈxorxe ˈlwis ˈborxes] 24 August 1899 - 14 June 1986), was an Argentine short-story writer, essayist, poet and translator, and a key figure in Spanish language literature. His work embraces the "character of unreality in all literature". His best-known books, Ficciones (Fictions) and El Aleph (The Aleph), published in the 1940s, are compilations of short stories interconnected by common themes, including dreams, labyrinths, libraries, mirrors, fictional writers, philosophy, and religion. Literary critics have described Borges as Latin America's monumental writer.

    Bio from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Photo by Grete Stern (1904-1999) (http://www.me.gov.ar/efeme/jlborges/1951-1960.html) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.

    See more on the author's page
  2. Andrew Hurley

    Andrew Hurley

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    Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.

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Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
1,058 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this collection of Borges's short stories to be an excellent compilation, praising its mind-bending metaphysical content and beautiful writing style. The translation is superb, with one customer noting it's not bogged down in excess verbiage, and they appreciate its originality, humor, and enjoyment. While the collection receives positive feedback overall, one customer mentions issues with rough edges on the book.

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Story qualityWriting styleTranslation qualityOriginalityHumorCollectionEnjoymentEdge quality
34 customers mention "Story quality"31 positive3 negative

Customers praise the quality of the stories in this collection, describing them as mind-blowing and among the most mind-bending metaphysical fiction ever written.

"...history, and literature while reading the most interesting, mind-bending, quietly humorous stories. Highly recommended!" Read more

"...Anyhow I would recommend this as a filler since it has all the stories in one volume, while the great Borges-di Giovanni translations..." Read more

"The stories in this book are truly some of the greatest short stories ever written...." Read more

"...These are philosophical thought experiments in their purest form, yet somehow magically delivered in a playful literary athmosphere...." Read more

27 customers mention "Writing style"27 positive0 negative

Customers praise the author's writing style, describing him as an incredible and insightful writer who is one of the greatest Spanish language authors.

"...I love how well-read and well-travelled Borges is; you get an education in philosophy, religion, history, and literature while reading the most..." Read more

"Love it! Excellent author I've read many of his stories in anthologies and look forward to reading the rest...." Read more

"...Borges is a mathematical philosopher, first and last...." Read more

"...about half a dozen of the short stories and they are, indeed, beautifully written...." Read more

14 customers mention "Translation quality"10 positive4 negative

Customers praise the translation of the book, finding it superb, with one customer noting it is not bogged down in excess verbiage.

"...funny, magical, insightful, and still relevant. i'm glad to have found this collection of all his short stories in one place. 🤗..." Read more

"...the superior of the two translations that I have read: not bogged down in excess verbiage or diction unbefitting Borges's style...." Read more

"...My only hesitation in this review is that the translation might make his writing less accessible...." Read more

"...This volume has nice, short explanations without being overly academic. Highly reccomended." Read more

10 customers mention "Originality"10 positive0 negative

Customers praise the book's originality, describing it as extremely unique, with one customer noting that each piece is a dream in itself.

"...A blind man who was unparalleled in his mastery of imagery. A unique depth of historical anchoring to all of his metaphors -- none of which get..." Read more

"What a treat. Even translated to English, the adroit, mesmerizing, inventive hand of Jorge Luis Borges shows through...." Read more

"...Each piece is a dream in itself." Read more

"Both Peculiar and Unique. There's nothing like Borges." Read more

8 customers mention "Humor"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book funny and strange, with one describing it as surreal.

"...literature while reading the most interesting, mind-bending, quietly humorous stories. Highly recommended!" Read more

"...This is quite possibly some of the strangest, most mind-bending metaphysical fiction ever written...." Read more

"...funny, magical, insightful, and still relevant. i'm glad to have found this collection of all his short stories in one place. 🤗..." Read more

"Both Peculiar and Unique. There's nothing like Borges." Read more

5 customers mention "Collection"5 positive0 negative

Customers praise the collection, with one noting it contains all of Borges's works.

"...A fine collection." Read more

"This book contains all of Borges's works. He's an extremely insightful author. You will really appreciate his approach to logic and philosophy...." Read more

"Awesome collection of some of the quirkiest stories you'll ever read." Read more

"...Well printed, the most complete collection i met." Read more

5 customers mention "Enjoyment"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable.

"Love it! Excellent author I've read many of his stories in anthologies and look forward to reading the rest...." Read more

"...This one, by Huxley is perfect for me... Recommend it for a pleasurable and thought provoking reading experience" Read more

"...and philosphy, this complete collection will bring you hours of enjoyable listening." Read more

"Weird and entertaining...." Read more

6 customers mention "Edge quality"0 positive6 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the book's edge quality, with some finding it rough and ill-cut, while others have no complaints.

"...Embossed, leaved covers. Yes the edges are rough because the publisher left them that way to make it look older and more sophisticated...." Read more

"Great book but the edges were rough" Read more

"...It is shameful how such a poor quality, ragged at the edges print of a masterpiece is allowed to be sold. And that too as new on Amazon." Read more

"...It gives it a ragged aspect that would have been good if the book were old but in this case only underlines the cheap quality of the provider...." Read more

The beauty of an old book
5 out of 5 stars
The beauty of an old book
Apart from the beautiful writing, this second hand book as an “old” quality to it. I am glad I bought it from the seller. Books are like wine. When well preserved, they get better with age.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Rdg near NYC
    5.0 out of 5 stars this penguin classic deluxe edition is a masterpiece
    Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2023
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    I am listening to this in the Spanish language on Audible and following along at the same time with Andrew Hurley's paper back English translation. This paperback is very high quality in terms of its paper and its binding. It deserves a permanent place on bookshelves. I notice that Andrew Hurley's translation includes a short story "The Approach of Al-Mu'tasim" that is omitted from the Audible Spanish version. I think it's a good use of time to read every short story in this book, slowly, and at a rate of about one short story every two or three days. Jorge Luis Borges is very special, but he is not the easiest author to read. I think it's worth the effort. Andrew Hurley has done the world of English readers a great service by translating this book from Spanish. I hope one day someone will care enough to convert this paperback book into Kindle format.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Reader in Upstate NY
    5.0 out of 5 stars Do NOT “Avoid the Labyrinth”
    Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2019
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    Those words were written on my Amazon Marketplace receipt from Blue Leaf Books by someone with the initials EDG, along with a thank you for ordering the book on March 23, 2017. In fact, I did avoid the labyrinth for almost two years because I knew it would be quite a challenge. I had first “read” Borges’ “Labyrinths” as a 20-year-old. I’m sure I could not have understood any of it at that time. But the years have passed (I won’t say how many) and, fortunately, I decided this was the year that I would make the effort to read Borges’ Collected Fictions, beginning to end, slowly. Near the end of the book, I found myself going back through the pages and finding stories I wanted to read again right away. As one excellent reviewer (Michael Battaglia) wrote, “finishing a book isn't quite the same thing as understanding what you just read,” and this is one book I feel must be read several times. Each time, you will understand more, but you will have the feeling that yet another reading will give you still more understanding. I found it amusing that one of the last stories, “Blue Tigers,” included the following sentence: “I did not sleep the night of Feb. 10.” I was reading this particular story during the afternoon of Feb. 11. Was Borges playing with my mind? I’ve since ordered a copy of Borges’ selected non-fiction and poetry. One must NOT avoid the labyrinth.
    61 people found this helpful
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  • Eric T. Fricke
    5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible
    Reviewed in the United States on July 14, 2022
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    I am loving this collection so far. I was originally introduced to Borges as a Spanish minor in college, and decided to give this a go. I love how well-read and well-travelled Borges is; you get an education in philosophy, religion, history, and literature while reading the most interesting, mind-bending, quietly humorous stories. Highly recommended!
    16 people found this helpful
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  • N
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Classic for the Ages, by the 20th century master of prose.
    Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2017
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Borges is among the masters. As an author, as a writer, he stands on his own ground -- a unique voice that has not been heard before or since. A blind man who was unparalleled in his mastery of imagery. A unique depth of historical anchoring to all of his metaphors -- none of which get mixed. He is the only author who can write in 10 pages what would take today's most gifted writers at least 500 pages to accomplish -- and Borges would do it with more detail, precision, and gravity.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • The Dude
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2017
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Love it! Excellent author I've read many of his stories in anthologies and look forward to reading the rest.I'm not qualified to comment on the translation but what I've read so far does seem a bit subdued. Not sure.

    The book itself is beautiful for the price. Embossed, leaved covers. Yes the edges are rough because the publisher left them that way to make it look older and more sophisticated. If you don't like this flourish I'm sure every James Patterson book is cut cleanly. Otherwise, enjoy it's a great read
    One person found this helpful
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  • Leo Reyes
    5.0 out of 5 stars Never tire of reading Borges
    Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2021
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    This book replaces me having to go to the library when I feel the need to read Borges. I've read multiple stories of his multiple times. I lent a co-worker his Labyrinths & am not worried if she keeps it. I've another Borges book to hold onto.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Charles Loyola
    4.0 out of 5 stars weird translation decisions
    Reviewed in the United States on October 26, 2005
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Here are a few examples of weird choices of the translator:

    1.

    Borges: title is "Funes, el memorioso"

    Hurley: "Funes, His Memory"

    Other translations have "Funes, The Memorious". Hurley writes that he didn't want to use the "invented", "Lewis Carroll-esque" word "memorious", but it is in fact a word, albeit rare. (see OED: "Having a good memory")

    2.

    Borges: (Deutsches Requiem) "Símolo de mi vano destino, dormía en el reborde de la ventana un gato enorme y fofo."

    Hurley: "On the windowsill slept a massive, obese cat--the symbol of my vain destiny."

    Now, "fofo" (flabby) is probably a hint a-la-Strangelove of the nature of zur Linde's wound, which had "serious consequences", but it is lost with Hurley's "obese".

    3.

    Borges' great lines from "Tema del traidor y del héreo": "De esos laberintos circulares lo salva una curiosa comprobación, una comprobación que luego lo abisma en otros laberintos más inextricables y heterogéneos"

    Hurley translates the first "laberintos" to "labyrinths" and the second to "mazes". A Borges sentence with a recurring word is rendered into a sentence without any. Granted, there aren't any synonyms for "laberinto" in Spanish, but it seems somewhat strange to use both English options in one sentence.

    4.

    Borges: (Ragnaroek) "En los sueños (escribe Coleridge) las imágenes figuran las..."

    Hurley omits the parentheses for some reason: "The images in dreams, wrote Coleridge, figure forth..."

    Examples of similar translating concepts can be found on almost every other page.

    Those of you who demand a translation which is as literal as possible without mutilating style and imagery, might find this one disappointing. Anyhow I would recommend this as a filler since it has all the stories in one volume, while the great Borges-di Giovanni translations (or revision-translations) do not include everything (they didn't get the rights, absurdly enough).
    32 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • TimothyArcher
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing
    Reviewed in Turkey on March 26, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I think this is the best Borges collection, in my opinion.
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  • Client d'Amazon
    3.0 out of 5 stars La Poste m'a sauvee
    Reviewed in France on June 8, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    J'ai commande deux livres de cet ecrivain comme cadeau pour mon fils pour son arriversaire. J'ai passe commande le jeudi et son anniversaire etait le dimanche. L'autre livre devait arriver le lendemain mais il n'est pas arrive ce jour la. Heureusement ce livre est arrive le samedi par la Poste et j'ai quelque chose a offrir a mon fils. Merci, la Poste!

    Quant au livre, c'est tout a fait ce que j'ai attendu.
    Report
  • Prabir Chatterjee
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Brilliant and Fascinating book !
    Reviewed in India on March 6, 2023
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    There's nothing to dislike ! What's to dislike about J.L.Borges ? A master craftsman at work - and what an edifice he did build ! The book is beautifully crafted, soft creamy paper, classy cover, and superbly bound. Absolutely smashing ! A pleasure to feel, hold and read. If you want to read something unusual, and are willing to put in time and concentration, Borges is your man !
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  • dragon1764
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 4, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Excellent product and delivery very pleased
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  • countrymouse
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful fiction by Borges
    Reviewed in Canada on December 19, 2023
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    This paperback is in decent shape (smaller print than I expected but then my eyes have changed...). Book arrived on time and well packed.
    Report