The Book of Imaginary Beings
Borges, Jorge Luis with Margarita Guerro. Avon Books, 1970 (1st Discus Ed.). Softbound. 'We would like the reader to dip into the pages at random, just as one plays with the shifting patterns of a kaleidoscope,' writes Borges in the preface to this crypto-bestiary, penned in collaboration with Guerro, who assisted the speculative pioneer as his eyesight deteriorated. That reader is beckoned by the seething watercolor rendering of a hazy, heart-shaped dream-cloud that covers this edition, an invitation to wander through a world that includes every species from basilisk to valkyrie to Swendborgian angel.
Tight spine has only the faintest hint of a slump. Clean, unmarked interior. Some light edge-wear and foxing to the edges, as well as a couple small areas of subtle soiling to the covers. 256 pp. Mass-Market Paperbacks.
