Paradiso (Paradise) 1st Edition (1 Edición) de Lezama Lima The first edition of Paradiso by José Lezama Lima—published in 1966 by Unión Ediciones in Havana—had an initial print run of approximately 5,000 copies. Later that same year, in May, a second printing of about 3,000 copies was issued due to the novel’s success and high demand. So, the first edition consisted of around 5,000 books. José Lezama Lima (1910–1976) was a Cuban poet, essayist, and novelist, regarded as one of Latin America’s most influential and enigmatic literary figures. Known for his dense, baroque style and vast erudition, he was a central figure in Cuba’s literary avant-garde and the editor of the influential journal Orígenes. His only novel published during his lifetime, Paradiso (1966), is celebrated for its complex language, symbolic richness, and blending of autobiography with myth. Despite periods of official neglect and censorship in Cuba, Lezama’s work has achieved enduring international recognition. Paradiso (1966) is the only novel published during the lifetime of Cuban writer José Lezama Lima. Considered a cornerstone of Latin American literature, it blends autobiographical elements with myth, history, and philosophy, all conveyed through Lezama’s dense, baroque prose. The book follows the intellectual and spiritual awakening of José Cemí, a character widely seen as a reflection of the author himself. Celebrated for its rich symbolism and elaborate style, Paradiso also sparked controversy upon release due to its frank treatment of sexuality, leading to both censorship and acclaim.