"La Biblioteca Total"

Containers:

Box 1, Folder 17

Scope and content:

Holograph manuscript "Universal Library" by Jorge Luis Borges, titled, signed, and dated "Agosto 1939", in black ink on gridded spiral notebook paper, 4 leaves numbered by Borges, with numerous corrections,and deletions.

The concept of the "universal library," crystallizes, like no other Borge's literary themes- so vast, multifaceted, and undefinable as this literary concept in which the universe is reflected. This fictional essay was first published in Sur no. 59 and never republished. It is considered as the first version and precursor of the later story La Biblioteca de Babel [1941] and is one of the most significant Borges manuscripts.

A culturally important work by Borges, it shows his vision of what he later called "The Library of Babel" and is a reflection of his entire approach to philosophy of not only literature but of existence itself.

Language:

Spanish; Castilian

Subjects:

Manuscripts (documents)

Access and use