Description
Scenes of the Argentine Novel
Book Summary
This volume brings together the lectures that critic and writer Ricardo Piglia gave on Public TV in 2012, revised and expanded by the author himself. Through a journey ranging from Alberdi and Sarmiento to Puig, Walsh, and Aira, Piglia traces a dazzling history of Argentine literature. The book includes four unpublished essays and conversations he held with figures such as María Moreno and Juan Sasturain, offering a unique look at the relationship between literature and film, journalism, and technology. An essential work for understanding the keys to Argentine narrative.
What is it about?
Ricardo Piglia proposes an original journey through the Argentine novel, from its origins in the 19th century to its most contemporary expressions. Based on the transcription and rewriting of his televised lectures, the author constructs four essays that explore the work of fundamental writers such as Macedonio Fernández, Roberto Arlt, Jorge Luis Borges, and Manuel Puig, among others. The analysis focuses specifically on the intersections between literature and other media: film, photography, journalism, and technology. In addition, the conversations Piglia held with María Moreno, Juan Sasturain, Ricardo Bartís, and Horacio González are reproduced, enriching the text with multiple perspectives. The book is not only a literary history but also a reflection on the ways of reading and transmitting the experience of reading.
Main themes
- History of Argentine literature from the 19th century to the present.
- Relationship between narrative and film, photography, and journalism.
- Analysis of the work of key authors: Sarmiento, Arlt, Borges, Puig, Aira, among others.
- The transmission of the reading experience and the transformation of the academic format.
- Travel, technology, and the archive as drivers of fiction.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at readers interested in Argentine literature and its critical history, students and teachers of literature, and followers of Ricardo Piglia's work. It will also be of great value to those seeking to understand the connections between narrative and other artistic languages, as well as those who enjoy lucid and accessible essays on the art of reading.
What this book offers
- A panoramic and original vision of the Argentine novel, articulated by one of its most lucid critics.
- Access to revised masterclasses that combine academic rigor with expository clarity.
- Exclusive conversations with intellectuals and artists that broaden the perspective on the analyzed texts.
- A reflection on reading as an experience and on the transmission of knowledge in new formats.
Technical specifications
- Author: Piglia, Ricardo
- Publisher: Eterna Cadencia Editora SRL, CUIT
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: Literary essays, Literature: history and criticism
- Collection: Essay
- Binding: Other
- Publication date: June 2022
- Number of pages: 216
- Weight: 532 g
Editorial assessment
Scenes of the Argentine Novel is a testament to Ricardo Piglia's mastery and a valuable tool for any reader wishing to delve into the keys of the national narrative. The work stands out for its ability to articulate a historical journey with a contemporary gaze, and for the quality of the conversations that complement it. Especially recommended for those looking for a profound yet accessible essay that invites the reader to rediscover the classics and explore new readings.