Only in the Meantime and Office Poems by Mario Benedetti

translated by Harry Morales

One of Latin America's most widely-read writers, Uruguay's Mario Benedetti has dazzled the literary world as a poet, novelist, essayist, critic, journalist, playwright, songwriter, and screenwriter. This first ever bilingual edition of Only in the Meantime & Office Poems introduces Benedetti's poetry to the English-speaking audience. Opening as reflections of everyday life in Montevideo, the poetry blossoms into an art which speaks to all people from all walks of life. Benedetti's extraordinary handling of irony and simplicity alongside his poetry's unmistakable rhythm make him one of the most brilliant observers of 20th century life.

Benedetti's poetry, like that of many of his compeers, has long been overshadowed by his fine prose. This has now been corrected in this superb rendering of Sólo Mientras Tanto & Poemas de la Oficina into English.

– Gregory Rabassa, translator of One Hundred Years of Solitude

One of Latin America's most important, versatile, and prolific authors, Uruguayan Mario Benedetti, unfortunately, has not received the attention he deserves among English-speaking readers. Thanks to Host Publications and the excellent translations of Harry Morales, the first bilingual release of Only in the Meantime & Office Poems does much to rectify this longstanding neglect. These two verse collections, now available in one volume, are beautifully rendered, handsomely produced, and affordably priced—a must for readers and libraries alike.

– David Draper Clark, Editor in Chief, World Literature Today

8.5" x 5.5"
87 pages