Julio Ortega (Chimbote, Peru, 1942) is a critic, essayist, and poet. A professor at Brown University and various American and European universities, he has lived in the United States for thirty years.

Among his critical publications, notable works include *The Discourse of Abundance*, *A Poetics of Change*, *The Radical Principle of the New*, and *Toolbox: Cultural Practices for the New Chilean Century *. He is also the author of short story collections such as *The White Islands * and * The Father's Table *, and novels such as *Midday *. His poetry collections include *The Emotive Life * and * Song of Maternal Speech*.