Alberto Manguel
Biography of Alberto Manguel
Full Name and Common Aliases
Full Name: Alberto Manguel
Common Aliases: None
Birth and Death Dates
Birth Date: March 13, 1948
Death Date: N/A
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: Argentine-Canadian
Profession(s): Writer, Editor, Translator, Anthologist, and Librarian
Early Life and Background
Alberto Manguel was born on March 13, 1948, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His early life was marked by a rich cultural environment, as his father served as the Argentine ambassador to Israel. This international exposure at a young age instilled in Manguel a profound appreciation for literature and languages. He spent part of his childhood in Tel Aviv, where he was introduced to the world of books and storytelling, a passion that would define his career.
Manguel's formative years were spent in a household that valued education and intellectual curiosity. His early exposure to diverse cultures and languages laid the foundation for his future endeavors in the literary world. By the time he was a teenager, Manguel was already fluent in several languages, a skill that would later enhance his work as a translator and editor.
Major Accomplishments
Alberto Manguel's career is distinguished by his multifaceted contributions to literature and the arts. He is best known for his work as a writer and editor, having authored numerous books that explore the nature of reading and the role of literature in society. His most acclaimed work, "A History of Reading," published in 1996, is a testament to his deep understanding of the literary world and has been translated into several languages.
In addition to his writing, Manguel has served as a translator, bringing the works of prominent authors to a broader audience. His translations have been praised for their accuracy and sensitivity to the original texts. Manguel's editorial work includes compiling anthologies that showcase the richness of world literature, further cementing his reputation as a literary connoisseur.
Notable Works or Actions
Among Manguel's notable works, "A History of Reading" stands out as a seminal exploration of the act of reading throughout history. This book delves into the evolution of reading practices and the profound impact that reading has had on human civilization. Another significant work is "The Library at Night," which reflects on the concept of libraries and their role as sanctuaries of knowledge and imagination.
Manguel's actions extend beyond writing; he has been an advocate for the preservation of libraries and the promotion of literacy. His tenure as the director of the National Library of Argentina from 2016 to 2018 was marked by efforts to modernize the institution and make it more accessible to the public.
Impact and Legacy
Alberto Manguel's impact on the literary world is profound and enduring. His writings have inspired readers and scholars alike to reconsider the importance of reading and the transformative power of literature. Manguel's work has contributed to a greater appreciation of the written word and its ability to connect people across cultures and generations.
His legacy is also evident in his efforts to promote literacy and preserve literary heritage. Manguel's advocacy for libraries and his dedication to making literature accessible to all have left a lasting mark on the cultural landscape. His influence extends to aspiring writers and readers who find inspiration in his passion for books and storytelling.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Alberto Manguel is widely quoted and remembered for his eloquent insights into the nature of reading and the significance of literature in human life. His ability to articulate the joys and challenges of reading resonates with readers around the world. Manguel's reflections on the power of books to shape our understanding of the world and ourselves have made him a beloved figure in literary circles.
His quotes often capture the essence of the reading experience, highlighting its ability to transport, educate, and transform. Manguel's work continues to inspire those who seek to understand the profound relationship between readers and the written word, ensuring that his voice remains a guiding light in the world of literature.
Quotes by Alberto Manguel
Alberto Manguel's insights on:
We can live in a society founded on the book and yet not read, or we can live in a society where the book is merely an accessory and be, in the deepest, truest sense, a reader.
One book calls to another unexpectedly, creating alliances across different cultures and centuries. A half-remembered line is echoed by another for reasons which, in the light of day, remain unclear. If the library in the morning suggests an echo of the severe and reasonably wishful order of the world, the library at night seems to rejoice in the world’s essential, joyful muddle.
And sometimes, when the stars are kind, we read with an intake of breath, with a shudder, as if someone or something had ‘walked over our grave,’ as if a memory had suddenly been rescued from a place deep within us – the recognition of something we never knew was there, or of something we vaguely felt as a flicker or a shadow, whose ghostly form rises and passes back into us before we can see what it is, leaving us older and wiser.
Our society accepts the book as a given, but the act of reading – once considered useful and important, as well as potentially dangerous and subversive – is now condescendingly accepted as a pastime, a slow pastime that lacks efficiency and does not contribute to the common good.
Every book can be, for the right reader, an oracle, responding on occasion even to questions unasked...
Nothing moves except my eyes and my hand occasionally turning a page, and yet something not exactly defined by the word “text” unfurls, progresses, grows and takes root as I read. But how does this process take place?
The books on my shelves do not know me until I open them, yet I am certain that they address me – me and every other reader – by name; they await our comments and opinions. I am presumed in Plato as I am presumed in every book, even in those I’ll never read.
This morning I looked at the books on my shelves and thought that they have no knowledge of my existence. They come to life because I open them and turn their pages, and yet they don’t know that I am their reader.