Macedonio Fernandez: Between Literature, Philosophy, and the Avant-Garde

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At Macedonio Fernandez's 1952 funeral, Jorge Luis Borges expressed his deep admiration, stating, "Macedonio is metaphysics, Macedonio is literature." This collection is the first in English to gather essays from leading scholars on Fernandez, a pivotal mentor to Borges and a complex thinker of the early 20th century. Macedonio's philosophy, metaphysics, ethics, and experimental writing significantly influenced Borges's literary framework. However, Borges contributed to the perception of Macedonio as a brilliant orator whose ideas were difficult to articulate in writing, leaving his work largely unknown to English-speaking audiences. The contributors to this volume challenge this reductive myth, illuminating the intricacies of Macedonio's life and creative process. Each chapter offers fresh insights into his texts, making this collection a valuable resource for both newcomers and specialists. It includes extensive background information, bibliographical references, and English translations of Macedonio's original works. This anthology aims to ignite further exploration and appreciation of Macedonio Fernandez's writings, encouraging readers to engage with the unique aspects of their own contemporary experiences.