Alberto Manguel

Date of Birth: March 13, 1948

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Biography

Alberto Manguel is an Argentine-Canadian writer, translator, editor, and essayist, renowned for his profound contributions to literature and literary criticism. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Manguel developed a deep love for books at an early age. His family moved frequently due to his father’s diplomatic career, exposing him to various cultures and languages. Manguel’s passion for reading and literature was further kindled during his teenage years when he worked at the Pygmalion bookshop in Buenos Aires, where he met the famous blind writer Jorge Luis Borges. Borges enlisted Manguel to read to him, an experience that profoundly influenced Manguel’s literary path. Manguel has penned numerous books, including the critically acclaimed “A History of Reading,” “The Library at Night,” and “All Men Are Liars.” His works often explore themes surrounding the nature of reading, the history of books and libraries, and the cultural significance of literature. Manguel has lived in various countries, including Italy, France, and Canada, and has immersed himself in diverse literary traditions. His vast knowledge and experiences have made him a respected figure in the literary world, earning him numerous awards and accolades.

5 Interesting Facts about Alberto Manguel

1. Alberto Manguel read aloud to the blind writer Jorge Luis Borges as a teenager, significantly shaping his literary career.

2. Manguel is a polyglot and has translated works from several languages, including Spanish, French, and English.

3. He has served as the director of the National Library of Argentina, a position once held by Jorge Luis Borges.

4. “A History of Reading,” one of Manguel’s most famous works, examines the 6,000-year history of reading and its impact on humanity.

5. Manguel has lived in various countries, including Italy, France, Canada, and Argentina, providing him with a rich, multicultural perspective.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Alberto Manguel

1. “The act of reading is a partnership. The author builds a house, but the reader makes it a home.”

2. “We read in order to understand, or to begin to understand.”

3. “Books are not only the arbitrary sum of our dreams, and our memory. They also give us the model of self-transcendence.”

4. “In the library, time is transmuted into space, and space into time.”

5. “The library is an arena of possibility, opening both a window into the soul and a door onto the world.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As a private individual, specific details about Alberto Manguel’s net worth are not publicly available. However, his extensive body of work and numerous accolades suggest a successful literary career.