The Looking-Glass

Essential Stories

By Machado De Assis | Publisher: Steerforth Press

About the book

Enchanting, fresh translations of the finest stories by Brazil’s greatest writer and author of short stories, cited as the greatest black writer in Western literature

“Machado de Assis showed the human comedy is the same everywhere, and in conflicts between man and society, society usually wins.”  --The New Yorker

Machado de Assis is one of the most enigmatic and fascinating story writers who ever lived. What appear at first to be stately social satires reveal unanticipated depths through flashes of darkness and winking surrealism. This new selection of his finest work, translated by the prize-winning Daniel Hahn, showcases the many facets of his mercurial genius.

A brilliant scientist opens the first asylum in his home town, only to start finding signs of insanity all around him. A young lieutenant basks in praise, but in solitude feels his identity fray into nothing. The reading of a much-loved elder statesman's journals reveals hidden thoughts of merciless cruelty.
 
This beautiful new collection of fresh translations offers the perfect gathering of his most beloved stories:

  • The Fortune-Teller
  • The Posthumous Portrait Gallery
  • The Loan
  • The Tale of the Cabriolet
  • The Stick
  • The Secret Cause
  • The Canon, or Metaphysics of Style
  • The Alienist
  • The Looking-Glass
  • Midnight Mass

    • Editions of The Looking-Glass

    Paperback
    ISBN 9781782278078
    EBook
    ISBN 9781782278085

    Read an Excerpt

    Enchanting, fresh translations of the finest stories by Brazil’s greatest writer and author of short stories, cited as the greatest black writer in Western literature

    “Machado de Assis showed the human comedy is the same everywhere, and in conflicts between man and society, society usually wins.”  --The New Yorker

    Machado de Assis is one of the most enigmatic and fascinating story writers who ever lived. What appear at first to be stately social satires reveal unanticipated depths through flashes of darkness and winking surrealism. This new selection of his finest work, translated by the prize-winning Daniel Hahn, showcases the many facets of his mercurial genius.

    A brilliant scientist opens the first asylum in his home town, only to start finding signs of insanity all around him. A young lieutenant basks in praise, but in solitude feels his identity fray into nothing. The reading of a much-loved elder statesman's journals reveals hidden thoughts of merciless cruelty.
     
    This beautiful new collection of fresh translations offers the perfect gathering of his most beloved stories:

  • The Fortune-Teller
  • The Posthumous Portrait Gallery
  • The Loan
  • The Tale of the Cabriolet
  • The Stick
  • The Secret Cause
  • The Canon, or Metaphysics of Style
  • The Alienist
  • The Looking-Glass
  • Midnight Mass

    • Frequently Asked Questions

    What is The Looking-Glass about?

    Enchanting, fresh translations of the finest stories by Brazil’s greatest writer and author of short stories, cited as the greatest black writer in Western literature

    “Machado de Assis showed the human comedy is the same everywhere, and in conflicts between man and society, society usually wins.”  --The New Yorker

    Machado de Assis is one of the most enigmatic and fascinating story writers who ever lived. What appear at first to be stately social satires reveal unanticipated depths through flashes of darkness and winking surrealism. This new selection of his finest work, translated by the prize-winning Daniel Hahn, showcases the many facets of his mercurial genius.

    A brilliant scientist opens the first asylum in his home town, only to start finding signs of insanity all around him. A young lieutenant basks in praise, but in solitude feels his identity fray into nothing. The reading of a much-loved elder statesman's journals reveals hidden thoughts of merciless cruelty.
     
    This beautiful new collection of fresh translations offers the perfect gathering of his most beloved stories:

  • The Fortune-Teller
  • The Posthumous Portrait Gallery
  • The Loan
  • The Tale of the Cabriolet
  • The Stick
  • The Secret Cause
  • The Canon, or Metaphysics of Style
  • The Alienist
  • The Looking-Glass
  • Midnight Mass

    • What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Looking-Glass?

    Fiction > Fiction / Literature / Comics / Graphic novels: special features > Short stories

    Where can I read a sample of The Looking-Glass?

    You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781782278078

    How long is The Looking-Glass and how many pages does it have?

    The Looking-Glass has 240 page(s)

    Is The Looking-Glass part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?

    Yes it is a part of series Essential Stories

    Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Looking-Glass?

    Machado De Assis

    Who is the Publisher of the book The Looking-Glass?

    Steerforth Press

    What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

    The Looking-Glass is available as paperback(ISBN 9781782278078) and ebook(ISBN 9781782278085)

    Where can I buy The Looking-Glass online or support local independent bookshops?

    You can buy The Looking-Glass from below

    Where can I buy The Looking-Glass?