As Richard Callan indicates in his brief introduction [to Asturias' América, fábula de fábulas, y Otros ensayos], many essays, because of their personal, subjective tone afford special insights into the personality of Asturias. What comes through, particularly in the post-Nobel pieces, is the image of a wry observer of modern man's foibles, who notes ironically how modernization and technological change come into frequently abrasive confrontation with humanistic tradition and regional culture. While rarely failing to entertain, the essays would not stand comparison with those of a distinguished antecedent, José Marti. Similarly, the selections treating Latin American literature, its history, its themes and its idiosyncrasies lack the grounding in history and in concepts of literary and art criticism that characterize the articles of Asturias' contemporary, Alejo Carpentier.

On the other hand, Asturias is at his best when detailing the artistic and sculptural achievements of the Mayas...