Alfonso Reyes (1889-1959) is perhaps the most universal of Mexican thinkers. Writing at a time when nationalism reached its peak in Mexico, his profoundly humanistic and wide-ranging literary output established the foundations of modern thought not only in his home country but also in most of Latin America. His writings cover such an encyclopedic array of themes, genres, and cultural traditions that he came to be styled "The Mexican Polygraph".
The task of creating an anthology that does justice to the entire oeuvre of such a writer is a strenous endeavor that José Luis Martínez, editor of Alfonso Reyes' Complete Works, has accomplished splendidly. This volume is a much needed starting point and an insightful guide through Reyes' work.
In keeping with this spirit, Dick Gerdes has produced a bold and truthful translation that allows for multiple transits through the language barrier while maintaining the particular humanistic essence of the original text.
