Editors’ Pick
Designed to Feel by Peter Burchardt
Designed to Feelby Peter Burchardt — on emotions, evolution & the science of feeling
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Literary Canon

Best Books from Argentina

Argentina has produced a disproportionate share of the 20th century's most important literature. Jorge Luis Borges reinvented the short story form and made metaphysics as thrilling as detective fiction; Julio Cortázar took surrealism into everyday Buenos Aires life; Ernesto Sabato interrogated violence and memory with unsparing darkness. The Buenos Aires literary scene, centred on the cafés of the Microcentro and Palermo, produced a generation of writers who transformed Latin American fiction and influenced writers from Pynchon to Calvino. Contemporary Argentine writers — Ricardo Piglia, César Aira, Samanta Schweblin — continue that restless experimental tradition.

Top 10 from Argentina

More Great Books from Argentina

#11
Cover of The Tunnel
mystery-thriller

The Tunnel

Ernesto Sabato· 1948
Editorial Score30/100
#12
Cover of Kiss of the Spider Woman
literary-fiction

Kiss of the Spider Woman

Manuel Puig· 1976
Editorial Score30/100
#13
Cover of Santa Evita
historical-fiction

Santa Evita

Tomás Eloy Martínez· 1995
Editorial Score30/100
#14
Cover of Rayuela
literary-fiction

Rayuela

Julio Cortázar· 1963
Publishers Weekly
Editorial Score30/100
#15
Cover of Atlas
travel-exploration

Atlas

Jorge Luis Borges· 1984
Kirkus Reviews
Editorial Score30/100
#16
Cover of Octaedro
short-stories

Octaedro

Julio Cortázar· 1974
Kirkus Reviews
Editorial Score30/100
#17
Cover of Collected Fictions
short-stories

Collected Fictions

Jorge Luis Borges· 1998
Publishers Weekly
Editorial Score30/100
#18
Cover of Cuentos Memorables
short-stories

Cuentos Memorables

Jorge Luis Borges· 1999
Publishers Weekly
Editorial Score30/100
#19
Cover of Cuentos breves y extraordinarios
short-stories

Cuentos breves y extraordinarios

Jorge Luis Borges· 1955
Publishers Weekly
Editorial Score30/100
The Tribe Manager
The Leadership Companion
The Tribe Manager
Leading People the Way Evolution Intended
Manage with human nature, you get loyalty. Manage against it, you get quiet quitting.
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Genres

Short Stories8Classic Literature4Literary Fiction4Mystery & Thriller3Science Fiction2Philosophy2Religion & Spirituality2Politics & Society2Fantasy1Psychology1drama1Historical Fiction1Biography & Memoir1Travel & Exploration1

Notable Authors

Jorge Luis Borges12 books

Argentina Literature — FAQ

What are the best books from Argentina?

The top-ranked books from Argentina include Ficciones, Historia de la eternidad, Ficciones — all highly scored by international editorial consensus.

Which Argentina authors have won the Nobel Prize in Literature?

Argentina has produced several Nobel Prize laureates. Our rankings highlight these winners alongside other critically acclaimed authors from the country.

How many books from Argentina are ranked on 50 Best Books?

We currently rank 19 books from Argentina, spanning fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and more.

What literary traditions is Argentina known for?

Argentina's literary tradition includes Short Stories, Classic Literature, Literary Fiction — genres where the country has produced world-class authors.

Where can I read more about Argentina literature?

Explore our dedicated guide at /best-books-in/argentina for a comprehensive overview of Argentina's literary landscape, key authors, and recommended reading order.