Bravo. Years ago, when I was pursuing an MA in comparative literature, I read a lot of Borges. A lot. I read his essays on Einstein from the 30s. I read his commentary on Unamuno. I read his essays on Kafka. One could say I submerged myself in the Borges worldview.

He was indeed erudite. He was also blind. I think all the these thought sources, his erudition and his blindness may be detected in his work.

I agree that he may be the most influential writer of Latin America. His influence is evident not only in Latin American literature, but also in North American literature. He transcends his culture. The Nobel Prize has gone to far lesser authors.

Please forgive me for gushing. I couldn't hold back. I stopped my MA matriculation 30+ credits in because I didn't want to take my orals. I eventually went back for another MA, this time in the humanities, with an emphasis on literature (no orals). I had to start all over again! I think Borges would have appreciated the rather circuitous pattern of my academic pursuit and the absurdity inherent in that.

Thanks for covering this author... one of my favorite.