Alberto Silva was born in Buenos Aires. His academic background includes a Master's Degree in Sociology from the University of Paris (EPHE), a Doctorate in Letters and Human Sciences (University of the Sorbonne) and a Doctorate in Political Science. He is a poet, translator and specialist in Japanese and transcultural subjects. Among his most important books, in addition to the four volumes of the Zen series, are The Invention of Japan, The Book of Haiku, The Book of Love by Murasaki, and some poetry books such as The Journey, Celebration of the Sea and Hot Dogs .