This essay quickly describes Julio Cortazar's life, and his literary works.

Julio Cortázar An Argentine writer and master of short stories, Julio Cortázar is truly a man for the ages. Most of Cortázar's stories have to deal with hallucinations or obsessions. Themes in his stories usually have to deal with identity, and the hidden reality behind everyday experiences. Cortázar, a radical, experienced many of these "reality checks" while being involved …

…moved to Paris, where he lived until his death. In 1953 he married Aurora Bernárdez. They separated and Cortázar lived with Carol Dunlop in later years. From 1952 he worked for UNESCO as a freelance translator. He translated Robinson Crusoe and the stories of Edgar Allan Poe into Spanish, Poe's influence is also seen in his work. Julio kept writing until his death, in 1984, and is buried in France.