/lit/ - Literature

For those of you who have invested a lot of time into philosophy, what would you advise someone interested in the writings of specific philosophers do? (Assuming no prior formal knowledge. Just what you would pick up being a general reader.)

Based on your experience, is it better to "read around" the philosopher (reading guides, referred works, etc.) or start from square one (Greeks)? Does it vary as you move further along the timeline of philosophy?

anyone have the more recent latin american one? with mario vargas llosa, etc.