"Teitelboim's biography may well serve as the most important reference on Neruda's life and spirit because he maintains a historical distance between the reader and his subject. Teitelboim's Neruda is close enough to present a penetrating study of the poet, yet it is objective enough to sustain critical perspective. The book spans Neruda's career from birth until after his death, enabling the reader to glimpse the poet through the mirror of his friend. " --Journal of Third World Studies.