The late scholar and critic Flores (1900-1992) selected some 330 major novelists and poets from Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America, both as exemplars of the literature of all the countries of Spanish America and as personally important literary creators. Flores knew most of the authors and was able to obtain from many extraordinary autobiographical passages that often form a part of the author's sketch. Most of the sketches were written in Spanish and translated into English. Critical insights and assessments of translations (a feature of inestimable value and interest) accompany biographies and autobiographies. All material was edited by Flores, who also prepared most of the excellent and extensive bibliographies. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR