The work of the twentieth-century Argentine writer Cortßzar is analyzed by Standish (foreign languages and literature, East Carolina U., Greenville), who writes with the assurance of his long familiarity with the author's work. Of the eight chapters, the first is devoted to Cortßzar's life, the remainder to his writing, which is divided chronologically and by genre. Cortßzar's own writing on literature and his controversial political identity each merit separate chapters. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)