Selected Poems

On the centenary of Jorge Luis Borges's birth, Viking publishers released three magnificent compendiums of his work — Collected Fictions, Selected Non-Fictions and Selected Poems. Often recognized as the greatest Spanish-language writer of the twentieth century, it was Borges's fiction that first brought him fame in 1951 with the publication of Ficcionnes, first in French and then later in English translation. Yet, for the preceding three decades, working in virtual obscurity, Borges was also a prolific essayist and poet. He did, in fact, always consider himself a poet first and foremost. For lovers of Borges's fiction, his poetry will have instantly recognizable themes and subjects: memory and dreams, mazes and mirrors, and always his home town — that "mysterious habit called Buenos Aires." This collection of Borges's poetry is the first to collate nearly 200 of his poems, some of them never translated before. The original Spanish is printed alongside translations by a fittingly fine cast of translators, including Robert Fitzgerald, W. S. Merwin, Charles Tomlinson, and John Updike. This is a beautiful tribute to a breathtaking artist. Georgie, Powells.com

An unparalleled and long-overdue volume of poetry by "the most important Spanish writer since Cervantes"(Mario Vargas Llosa).

Though universally acclaimed for his dazzling fictions, Jorge Luis Borges always considered himself first and foremost a poet. This new bilingual selection brings together some two hundred poems — the largest collection of Borges' poetry ever assembled in English, including scores of poems never previously translated. Edited by Alexander Coleman, the selection draws from a lifetime's work — from Borges' first published volume of verse, Fervor de Buenos Aires (1923), to his final work, Los conjurados, published just a year before his death in 1986. Throughout this unique collection the brilliance of the Spanish originals is matched by luminous English versions by a remarkable cast of translators, including Robert Fitzgerald, Stephen Kessler, W. S. Merwin, Alastair Reid, Mark Strand, Charles Tomlinson, and John Updike.

Exquisitely packaged edition with French flaps and rough front, quality paper stock.

"Poetry is the heart of Borges' metaphysical, mythical, and cosmopolitan oeuvre....Editor Coleman commissioned a wealth of new translations for this unprecedented and invaluable collection, and the roster of translators includes such luminaries as Robert S. Fitzgerald, W. S. Merwin, Mark Strand, and John Updike." Donna Seaman, Booklist

"A surfeit of riches....Jorge Luis Borges' poetry alone would be enough to underwrite his immense reputation." San Francisco Chronicle

From Fervor de Buenos Aires — From Moon across the way — From San Martâin copybook — From The maker — From The self and the other — From For six strings — From In praise of darkness — From The gold of the tigers — From The unending rose — From The iron coin — From The history of the night — From The limit — From Atlas — From Los conjurados.