The Pittsburgh editions of Latin American literature

Men of Maize is an incredible tale of Indian life in Latin America during the early twentieth century, woven poetically by Asturias. In six parts he simultaneously creates and re-tells history, blurring the distinctions between reality and myth. He interweaves the past, present and future, giving the background tale, then continuing on to show how that tale would become the folklore of the future.

"The last novel by Peruvian writer Jose Maria Arguedas, set in the booming port city of Chimbote, is an expression of the human costs of rapid modernization. Tragically, the malaise of the society is reflected in the literal self-destruction of the author, a process chronicled in four diaries woven into the novel itself. Arguedas lost his struggle with suicide as he neared the end of the novel and shot himself to death, closing his own life but deliberately leaving his novel open. Fittingly, the forces of destruction in this work are wondrously transformed by language and emotion, by faith and redemption. The Fox From Up Above and the Fox From Down Below contains critical essays providing background and analyses of the text for classroom use."--BOOK JACKET.

"This new English translation of Canaima should be welcomed by all readers of Gallegos. In addition to Kirkland's translation (based on Charles Minguet's 1991 critique of the novel in Spanish), work contains his engaging and provocative translator's essay; an informative introduction by Michael John Doudoroff; essays by five specialists and Venezuelan writers who provide varied perspectives on the novel; and a glossary of terms that readers will find invaluable"--Handbook of Latin American Studies, v. 58.