"Seventy-seven essays - only 12 by women - include works written in Spanish and Portuguese between 1849 (Bello) and 1994 (Subcomandante Marcos). The broad definition of essay allows for inclusion of pieces such as Borges' 'Pierre Menard,' usually defined as fiction. Historical introduction by Stavans; bio-bibliographical notes for authors. Many pieces translated expressly for this volume. Consistently high level of translation"--Handbook of Latin American Studies, v. 58.