Villain Biographies

Douban

NeoDB

Borges's first novel, published in 1935, focuses on the stories of "villains" from around the world, including slave traders in the American South, New York gang leaders, British vagabonds who impersonate the sons of prominent families, and even Kirara Uenosuke, a ceremonial official who insulted the Ako domain during the Edo period of Japan and was ultimately avenged, and Zheng Guafu, a renowned female pirate during the Qing Dynasty of China. The authentic historical background interweaves with the author's imagination to depict the "anti-heroes" who emerged from the chaotic corners of society. The bizarre plot, eccentric characters, and subtle humor combine to create a Baroque-style frivolity. The author said, "There are gallows and pirates in the book, and 'villains' reign' in the title, but beneath the chaos lies nothing. It is only the appearance, the appearance of images; and precisely because of this, perhaps it can bring joy."

出版日期/Publication Date：December 1, 2021
出版社/Publisher：上海译文出版社
出品方/Imprint:
页数/Page: 104