The book originated as a series of articles written for the Saturday supplement of the Argentine newspaper Crítica between 1933 and 1934. Borges took real-life accounts of notorious criminals—ranging from Wild West outlaws to Asian pirates—and refashioned them through a "baroque" literary lens, often altering names, dates, and key events to suit his narrative.
For example, the story "The Cruel Redeemer Lazarus Morell" is based on a real method of slave exploitation, but Borges exaggerates it to mythic proportions. "Tom Castro" was a real con man, but Borges adds fictional letters and philosophical asides. The book is not history; it is meta-history . It is a commentary on how we tell stories about evil. a universal history of infamy pdf
Jorge Luis Borges' "A Universal History of Infamy" is a seminal work that explores the concept of infamy and its role in human history. In his essays, Borges examines the lives of various infamous individuals, including Charles XII of Sweden, Joseph de Maistre, and William Wilde, among others. Borges' work is not just a simple account of notorious individuals, but rather a philosophical exploration of the concept of infamy and its significance in human history. The book originated as a series of articles
Jorge Luis Borges’ "A Universal History of Infamy" (1935) offers a collection of short, baroque, and highly stylized biographies that reframe historical criminals as mythical figures, bridging the gap between history and fiction. The work serves as an accessible entry point to Borges' literary style, featuring a blend of detached irony and intricate narratives that foreshadow the Latin American literary boom. For a deep dive into Borges' earlier, more experimental fiction, consider exploring this foundational work. "Tom Castro" was a real con man, but