Don Quixote

Don Quixote is a novel by Miguel de Cervantes, first published in 1605. Widely regarded as one of the greatest works of classic literature and a foundational text of the modern novel, the story follows Alonso Quixano, a country gentleman who becomes so absorbed in tales of chivalry that he reinvents himself as the wandering knight Don Quixote. Determined to revive the ideals of knighthood, he sets out across the Spanish countryside with the practical but loyal farmer Sancho Panza as his squire. Together they encounter inns mistaken for castles, windmills imagined as giants, and a world that rarely matches the heroic vision in Don Quixote’s mind.

Cervantes blends adventure, satire, and philosophical reflection to explore the tension between imagination and reality, idealism and common sense. The novel humorously critiques the medieval romance tradition while also celebrating the power of storytelling and the enduring human desire for meaning and heroism. Praised since its publication for its wit, memorable characters, and innovative narrative style, the book helped shape the development of modern fiction and remains a cornerstone of Spanish literature and world literature. The enduring appeal of Don Quixote lies in its rich humour, emotional depth, and timeless exploration of dreams, delusion, and dignity.

This translation by John Ormsby was first published in 1885.