History and Theory of Magical Realism Fantasy, magic, the supernatural, the sublime, and realism are all different genres of literature that may be familiar to many people. However, there may be one less well-known than these: Magical Realism. Although Magical Realism is widespread mainly in Latin American countries, you might wonder where and how it began. On the other hand, one might simply wonder what some of the characteristics of Magical Realism are. By looking at the history and theory of Magical Realism as well as some of its characteristics and influences, these questions will be answered. Interestingly, the term "Magical Realism" was first used in 1925 by a German art critic, Franz Roh. In his essay “Magical Realism: Post-Expressionism,” Roh used the term “Magical Realism” to actually characterize a style of painting rather than a style of literature (15). However, there are still at least two different views on where and when Magical Realism truly began. In Angel Flores' essay, "Magical Realism in Spanish America," he states that magical realism has its basis in the works of Franz Kafka. Furthermore, Flores believes that 1935 was the year that Magical Realism began in Latin America because it was the year that Jorge Luis Borges' work, A Universal History of Infamy, appeared in Buenos Aires. After the appearance of Borges' works, many other writers began to follow his style, giving Magical Realism its growing popularity in the 1940s and 1950s (Flores 113). In his essay "Magical Realism in Spanish American Literature" Luis Leal disagrees with Flores' point of view. Leal does not think that Magical Realism had its growth between 1940 and 195... half of the paper... Ed. Lois Parkinson Zamora and Wendy B. Faris. Durham, NC: Duke UP, 1995: 125-141.Flores, Angel. "Magical Realism in Hispanic American Fiction." Magical realism. Theory, History, Community. Ed. Lois Parkinson Zamora and Wendy B. Faris. Durham, NC: Duke UP, 1995: 109-116. "Garcia Marquez - Biography." January 14, 2001.Leal, Luis. "Magical Realism in Spanish American Literature." Magical realism. Theory, History, Community. Ed. Lois Parkinson Zamora and Wendy B. Faris. Durham, NC: Duke UP, 1995: 119-123."Magical Realism." January 8. 2001