Don Quixote de la Mancha | Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra

Don Quixote

Accolades & Praise

• Foundational Masterpiece: Widely considered the first modern novel and a cornerstone of Western literature.
• Timeless Satire: Renowned for its brilliant tragicomic exploration of chivalry, idealism, and the conflict between fantasy and reality.

Extended Synopsis

Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, featuring the classic 18th-century translation by Peter Anthony Motteux, stands as a literary monument and an essential read for lovers of classic fiction. Set in the plains of La Mancha, Spain, the story follows Alonso Quixano, a country gentleman whose infatuation with tales of chivalry causes him to lose his sanity and reinvent himself as the valiant knight-errant Don Quixote.

Determined to defend the helpless and defeat evil, Don Quixote takes up his lance and sword, mounting his weary horse, Rocinante. Joined by his pragmatic and earthy squire, Sancho Panza, the duo sets off on a series of hilarious, adventurous, and often heartbreaking encounters across the Spanish countryside.

This Wordsworth Classics edition includes an insightful introduction and notes by Stephen Boyd, helping readers unpack Cervantes's satirical humor, rich social commentary, and eternal reflections on human motivation and idealism.

About the Author & Translator

Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra (1547–1616) was a Spanish novelist, playwright, and poet whose works have had a profound influence on world literature. Don Quixote is widely regarded as his supreme achievement.

Peter Anthony Motteux (1663–1718) was a French-born English author and translator whose 18th-century translation of Don Quixote captured the vibrant, humorous spirit of Cervantes's original prose for English-speaking audiences.

Reader Targeting

• Students and scholars of Western literature, classic Spanish fiction, and early modern novels.
• Readers seeking a affordable, complete Wordsworth Classics edition with critical notes.
• Fans of satirical humor, philosophical adventure, and timeless character dynamics.

Bibliographic & Physical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Which translation is featured in this edition?
This Wordsworth Classics edition utilizes the classic 18th-century English translation by Peter Anthony Motteux.

Does this edition include critical notes or commentary?
Yes, it features a detailed introduction and explanatory notes by Stephen Boyd to guide readers through the historical context and themes.

Is this the complete novel?
Yes, this 864-page edition presents the complete, unabridged story of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza.

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