Borges in 90 Minutes

By: Paul Strathern

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Weaving fiction with fact, fantastic matter with historical figures, Borges' frequent theme of a world where time, culture, and place converge is not only timely but pertinent in our advance toward globalization. Drawing from his multi-ethnic and -lingual upbringing in Argentina, Borges' focus on universal themes early on came to belittle the sentiments of racism and communism, earning him widespread recognition. His work is both timeless and touching, a product of deep suffering and incorrigible innocence.

Borges in 90 Minutes offers a concise, expert account of Borges' life and ideas and explains their influence on literature and on man's struggle to understand his place in the world. The book also includes a list of Borges' chief works, a chronology of his life and times, and recommended reading for those who wish to delve deeper.

©2006 Paul Strathern (P)2009 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"A new-millenium version of Cliffs Notes...Breezy, chatty, and to the point. Perfect for those hungry for literature." ( ForeWord)
"Promise[s] to get readers up to speed...in 100 pages or so with no dumbing down." ( New York Times)

Intro to Borges

This is a very good intro to or brush up/Review on Borges. The narration by the reliable Simon Vance is very well done.

Good Summary

I learned many new things about Borges in a short space of time. this is an adventure in this making of myths.

Great way to know about Borges work!and life

Loved it and made the audio book of Borge's cuentos (in Spanish)much more understandable .great performance and very well written my thanks to the author of this audio book!

Why is Strathern so obsessed with Borges sex life?

I wish the author would have focused more on Borges' works and their importance rather than disparaging the imagery Borges used. Additionally, the author goes on and on about Borges' sex life. Mention this once or twice and I'm fine with it but Strathern mentions it every five minutes and this is supposed to be a brief summary of the author not and critique of his personal life.

Jorge Luis Borges

I learned of Borges by a reference in Stephen Mitchell's translation of the Bhagavad Gita; I am fascinated by his manipulation of time and reality. I enjoyed this book.