Will Self reads 'On Exactitude in Science' by Jorge Luis Borges

Jorge Luis Borges's "On Exactitude in Science" is a short story exploring the relationship between maps and the territories they represent. It satirizes the pursuit of perfect representation, showing how an obsession with detail can lead to absurdity. The story follows the evolution of cartography in a fictional empire, where maps become increasingly detailed until they reach the size of the empire itself. Ultimately, this perfect map proves useless, highlighting the limitations of literal representation and the importance of abstraction. The story's themes resonate with discussions about knowledge, reality, and the nature of representation.

Lewis Carroll's "Sylvie and Bruno Concluded" is the sequel to "Sylvie and Bruno. " While less famous than his Alice books, it still contains elements of fantasy and nonsensical humor characteristic of his writing. The story features two child protagonists, Sylvie and Bruno, who encounter various fantastical characters and situations. It explores themes of dreams, reality, and the nature of perception. The narrative is less structured than his earlier works, incorporating digressions and philosophical discussions. The book is considered a more mature and complex work than his earlier children's stories.