A master class in the art of writing by one of its most distinguished and innovative practitioners

Delve into the labyrinth of Jorge Luis Borges's thoughts on the theory and practice of literature, and learn from one of the most influential writers of the twentieth century not only what a writer does but also what a writer is. For the first time ever, here is a volume that brings together Borges's wide-ranging reflections on writers, on the canon, on the craft of fiction and poetry, and on translation--an ars poetica of one of the twentieth century's greatest writers.

Featuring many pieces appearing in English for the first time--including his groundbreaking early essay on magical realism, "Stories from Turkestan"--On Writing provides a map of both the changes and continuities in Borges's aesthetic over the course of his life. It is an indispensable handbook for anyone hoping to master their own style or to witness Borges's evolution as a writer.