Samuel Glusberg Argentine and Chilean writer and publisher Country: Argentina

1. A Pioneer of Literary Journalism: Samuel Glusberg
2. Founding "Cuadernos America" and "Babel"
3. The "Babel" Publishing House
4. Collaborations with Influential Thinkers
5. Legacy and Impact

A Pioneer of Literary Journalism: Samuel Glusberg

Samuel Glusberg (1898-1981) was an Argentine and Chilean writer and publisher known for his significant contributions to the South American literary scene.

Founding "Cuadernos America" and "Babel"

In 1919, Glusberg launched his first literary journal, "Cuadernos America" (American Diaries) in Buenos Aires. Two years later, he established the renowned Argentine journal "Babel" (Babylon), which ran intermittently for three decades (1921-1960).

"Babel," subtitled "Journal of Art and Criticism," became a hub for the finest Argentine writers of its time. It also attracted renowned literary figures from neighboring South American countries, including the Uruguayan poets Horacio Quiroga and Nobel laureate Gabriela Mistral. Notable European intellectuals such as Hannah Arendt, Albert Camus, and Thomas Mann also contributed to the journal.

The "Babel" Publishing House

Alongside "Babel," Glusberg founded a publishing house of the same name to publish the journal's authors in book form. Under the pseudonym "Enrique Espinoza," Glusberg himself published several collections of stories drawn from Jewish life, including "La levita gris" (The Gray Coat, 1924) and "Ruth y Noemi" (1934).

Collaborations with Influential Thinkers

"Babel" became a platform not only for poets but also for philosophers. Glusberg's close friend, the Peruvian Marxist José Carlos Mariátegui, and the Mexican-based Victor Serge (V.L. Kibalchich), actively engaged with the journal's readers.

Legacy and Impact

Samuel Glusberg's unwavering dedication to literary excellence left an indelible mark on the literary landscape of South America. "Babel" and its associated publishing house provided a space for emerging writers and thinkers to connect and share their ideas. Glusberg's legacy as a pioneer of literary journalism continues to inspire generations of writers and scholars.