We learn that Borges’ story “Pierre Menard, the author of Don Quixote” was first published in Sur, the review presided over by Victoria Ocampo, and bestriding the cultural scene between 1931 and 1992.

While Sur, as a standard-bearer of internationalism, is to be emulated, its partisan line is at odds with this review’s belief that art must rise above overt political affiliation. This sentiment is also affirmed by Nobel Laureate, Gao Xingjian, in his interview with David Dabydeen and Jonathan Morley.

Such a conviction is underscored by the fact that much of human experience transcends national barriers, as borne out by Xu Xi whose protagonist is shaped by both Asian and American influences; Indian writer Meena Alexander who writes movingly about the ravages of war in Darfur; Marina Warner who evokes Egypt, no doubt inspired by her early childhood there; and Richard McKane who, having spent many years in Turkey, has translated poets such as Tuğrul Tanyol.

Meanwhile, Anglo-Saxon authors, Daniel Albright, Alice Fulton, and Michael Schmidt, writing about events closer to home, prove that they are academics who possess remarkable literary gifts.

And let us not forget to thank artist, Arturo Di Stefano, for enriching our journey with his profound yet subtle images.

Thank you for your visit, and may you return to visit us many times in the future!


Best regards,
Peter Robertson