The Night

The last major work of Jaime Saenz, The Night explores profound themes through a haunting and transcendent lens, now available in English for the first time.

Jaime Saenz is often regarded as the most significant Bolivian writer of the twentieth century, and his poetry reflects an extraordinary depth. In The Night, his last major work before his passing in 1986, Saenz delves into themes that are both haunting and transcendent. The poem captures the essence of his experiences in La Paz, where he navigated the complexities of identity, alcoholism, and his profound connection to the city. This bilingual edition brings his masterpiece to an English-speaking audience for the first time, allowing readers to appreciate the brilliance of his vision.

The translations by Forrest Gander and Kent Johnson have received widespread acclaim, highlighting the unique qualities of Saenz's work that were previously inaccessible to English readers. The poem is structured in four movements, each exploring different facets of existence, from the mundane to the mystical. Saenz's distinctive style, characterized by hallucinatory imagery and emotional intensity, is preserved in this translation, making The Night a compelling read for those interested in modern Latin American poetry.

Accompanying the poem is an introduction by the translators that provides insight into Saenz's life and influences, along with an afterword by Luis H. Antezana, a prominent Bolivian literary critic. This edition not only serves as an introduction to Saenz's work but also as a testament to his status as a visionary figure in Hispanic literature, ensuring that The Night resonates with new audiences around the world.