In this groundbreaking book, Jorge J. E. Gracia explores the artistic interpretation of fiction from a philosophical perspective. Focusing on the work of Jorge Luis Borges, one of the most celebrated literary figures of Latin America, Gracia offers original interpretations of twelve of Borges's most famous stories about identity and memory, freedom and destiny, and faith and divinity. He also examines twenty-four artistic interpretations of these stories-two for each-by contemporary Argentinean and Cuban artists such as Carlos Estévez, León Ferrari, Mirta Kupferminc, Nicolás Menza, and Estela Pereda. This philosophical exploration of how artists have interpreted literature contributes to both aesthetics and hermeneutics, makes new inroads into the understanding of Borges's work, and introduces readers to two of the most vibrant artistic currents today. Color images of the artworks discussed are included.

Jorge J. E. Gracia is SUNY Distinguished Professor and Samuel P. Capen Chair in Philosophy and Comparative Literature at the University at Buffalo, State University of New York. His many books include Images of Thought: Philosophical Interpretations of Carlos Estévez's Art and Identity, Memory, and Diaspora: Voices of Cuban-American Artists, Writers, and Philosophers, both also published by SUNY Press.

Stories
Plates
Preface

1. Introduction

I. Painted Stories

IDENTITY AND MEMORY
2. The Other
3. Funes, the Memorious
4. The South
5. The Interloper

FREEDOM AND DESTINY
6. The Garden of Forking Paths
7. The Circular Ruins
8. The House of Asterion
9. The Immortal

FAITH AND DIVINITY
10. The Rose of Paracelsus
11. The Writing of the God
12. The Secret Miracle
13. The Gospel According to Mark

II. Identity and Interpretation

14. Literature, Art, and Philosophy
15. Interpretation
16. Painting Borges
17. Limits of Interpretation

Notes
Bibliography
Painting Borges: Art Interpreting Literature
Index