Arturo Uslar Pietri has been acclaimed as one of the best short-story writers in contemporary Latin-American literature. Although his novelistic talent has not received the unanimous recognition given to his skill in the other narrative genre, he deserves to be considered as one of the most able practitioners of the historical novel in Latin America. His works of fiction are, however, only one aspect of his literary output. Uslar has also written two volumes of verse, several theatrical pieces, dozens of essays, and thousands of newspaper articles. In addition, he has played a significant role in Venezuelan politics. His contribution to education--through political or academic offices, books, articles, and television programs--is unrivaled.

Uslar was born in Caracas on 16 May 1906, in a house whose facade still stands in the heart of Venezuela's capital. Some of Uslar's political critics have referred to his mantuano lineage, referring to the local aristocracy...