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thoughton98's review against another edition
4.0
An intriguing text that compiles a number of extracts from different texts and sources about a menagerie of mythological creatures. Aside from the cliched regulars like dragons and unicorns, there are also detailed accounts of lesser-known fantasy beasts such as the zaratan, oni and ouroboros. If you are interested in the origins of mythological creatures, this is the book for you.
weareallmeatclocks's review against another edition
4.0
In 2018 (and still continuing now) I had set myself a challenge to read more books that were seen as classics (or by authors who are seen as authors to read) and more books that had been translated into English.
The Book of Imaginary Beings fits nicely into both categories.
Ostensibly a short survey of mythical and imaginary beings from around the world, collected by Borges and then revised, enlarged and translated by Norman Thomas di Giovanni in collaboration with Borges, this becomes much more when enlivened by Borges prose.
Beautifully descriptive and humorous, Borges weaves the tales into a cohesive whole in this modern bestiary.
The Book of Imaginary Beings fits nicely into both categories.
Ostensibly a short survey of mythical and imaginary beings from around the world, collected by Borges and then revised, enlarged and translated by Norman Thomas di Giovanni in collaboration with Borges, this becomes much more when enlivened by Borges prose.
Beautifully descriptive and humorous, Borges weaves the tales into a cohesive whole in this modern bestiary.
sunshowersy's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
My love, my movable cabinet of curiosities, to hold close to the chest.
leeshajoy's review against another edition
informative
mysterious
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
bobbo49's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Different from anything else I've read by Borges: an encyclopedic book of imaginary animals from throughout human history, with references to the stories, legends and books from which they were drawn.
danzemacabre's review against another edition
3.0
I don't remember the last time I read a full book in Spanish despite it being my mother tongue.
After all, e books are far more prominent in English than otherwise so it was just easier for me. However, this is the kind of book I had to dig to find in its original version.
It rekindled my love for not only Spanish, but for the Argentinean literature I so long stopped checking.
It's a great book, don't get me wrong, but I ultimately knew most of the creatures in it. What I DID enjoy most were the beasts imagined by other popular writers, including Poe, C. S. Lewis, and many others.
It was a fun read, I definitely recommend it if you want to unplug from daily life for a bit. Just wish it had pretty drawings to go with it.
After all, e books are far more prominent in English than otherwise so it was just easier for me. However, this is the kind of book I had to dig to find in its original version.
It rekindled my love for not only Spanish, but for the Argentinean literature I so long stopped checking.
It's a great book, don't get me wrong, but I ultimately knew most of the creatures in it. What I DID enjoy most were the beasts imagined by other popular writers, including Poe, C. S. Lewis, and many others.
It was a fun read, I definitely recommend it if you want to unplug from daily life for a bit. Just wish it had pretty drawings to go with it.
dibujared's review against another edition
A fun book paying homage to medieval bestiaries. The writing is humorous and informative, with references and quotes pulled from a variety of works throughout the ages. The illustrations are incredible and the perfect accompaniment--I only wish there were more!
trollmila's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
matheamae's review against another edition
5.0
Loved all the illustrations and the history with each creature!