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The Book of Imaginary Beings

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'The Book of Imaginary Beings' by Jorge Luis Borges is a collection of short entries on mythical creatures from various cultures worldwide. The book provides brief but interesting descriptions of these creatures, sparking the reader's imagination. Despite the lack of illustrations, Borges' writing style is engaging and allows readers to create mental images of the mythical beings.

The book offers a unique perspective on mythical creatures, focusing on the historical background rather than storytelling. Borges' deep knowledge of the subject shines through, making it a valuable addition to any monster enthusiast's collection. Readers can enjoy picking up the book for light reading and exploring random entries that catch their interest, making it a fun and informative experience.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is engaging and imaginative, showcasing Borges's unique style that encourages readers to visualize the content.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative is structured as a collection of notes detailing mythical creatures from various cultures rather than a traditional plot.

Setting:

The setting spans multiple cultures and mythologies, providing a broad overview of creatures from different backgrounds.

Pacing:

The pacing is quick due to the short entries, making it easy to read the book in one sitting.

Notes:

The Book of Imaginary Beings consists of short entries about mythical creatures from various cultures.
Many readers find the descriptions in the book help spark their imagination despite the lack of illustrations.
Some editions of the book do have illustrations, but not all.
The book has references to other authors and works, like Poe and Kafka, making it a starting point for further reading.
It covers a wide range of creatures, from global folklore to esoteric mythologies.
Borges is known for his writing style that combines magical realism and literary interpretation, which makes the book enjoyable.
The book is great for readers of all ages, and can be read in small doses since entries are brief.
Many readers appreciate the unique topics covered that are not commonly found in other bestiaries.
Some editions may vary in the artwork and overall presentation, leading to some confusion about illustrations.
The book is often mentioned alongside other notable Borges works, sharing a similar spirit even if they're different in style.

From The Publisher:

In a perfect pairing of talent, this volume blends twenty illustrations by Peter Sís with Jorge Luis Borges's 1957 compilation of 116 "strange creatures conceived through time and space by the human imagination," from dragons and centaurs to Lewis Carroll's Cheshire Cat and the Morlocks of H. G. Wells's The Time Machine. A lavish feast of exotica brought vividly to life with art commissioned specifically for this volume, The Book of Imaginary Beings will delight readers of classic fantasy as well as Borges's many admirers.

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About the Author:

Jorge Luis Borges (1899-1986) was an Argentine poet, essayist, and author of short stories. His most notable works as a key literary Spanish-language figure of the twentieth century include Ficciones (Fictions) and El Aleph (The Aleph). He received a BA from…

 
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