Don Quixote is the classic story. Called the first modern novel, this marvelous book has stood the test of time to become irrevocably intertwined with the fabric of society. Sixteenth-century Spanish gentleman Don Quixote, fed by his own delusional fantasies, takes to the road in search of chivalrous adventures. But his quest leads to more trouble than triumph. At once humorous, romantic, and sad, Don Quixote is a literary landmark. This fresh edition, by award-winning translator Edith Grossman, brings the tale to life as never before.
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"What begins as a middle-aged country gentleman absorbed with novels of chivalry deliberately evolves into a tale of purely imaginative knight-errantry in this highly influential work of the Spanish Golden Age. This first of modern novels was written in the experimental episodic form, allowing Don Quixote and his 'squire' Sancho Panza to go on quests that just as often as not land them in trouble or earn them the incredulity of those fully engaged in reality. While initially farcical, the novel slowly reveals a more philosophical thread exploring the theme of deception, all the while creating emotional and mental reversals in the two main figures that take them from tilting at windmills to fully comprehending reality. A work that frequently appears on lists in the highest echelon of published fiction, "Don Quixote" is a novel that has deeply influenced a host of notable writers and readers for over 400 years."
— Edgar (5 out of 5 stars)
“A more profound and powerful work than this is not to be met with...The final and greatest utterance of the human mind.”
— Fyodor Dostoevsky“Don Quixote is greater today than he was in Cervantes’ womb. [He] looms so wonderfully above the skyline of literature, a gaunt giant on a lean nag, that the book lives and will live through [his] sheer vitality…He stands for everything that is gentle, forlorn, pure, unselfish, and gallant. The parody has become a paragon.”
— Vladimir Nobokov“What a monument is this book! How its creative genius, critical, free, and human, soars above its age!”
— Thomas Mann“Luminous…[Don Quixote] will overwhelm you, in the end, with its moral and imaginative splendor.”
— Atlantic Monthly“One of the best-loved novels of all time, Don Quixote was intended to be a satire on the exaggerated chivalric romances of Cervantes’ time. However, the author soars above this purpose in his wealth of fancy and in his irrepressible high spirit.”
— Masterpieces of World Literature" This narrator is seriously amazing. I loved listening to Don Quixote so much that I looked up the narrator simply to find more books narrated by him. I could not recommend more highly! "
— The Grinch, 12/16/2022" This narrator is seriously amazing. I loved listening to Don Quixote so much that I looked up the narrator simply to find more books narrated by him. I could not recommend more highly! "
— The Grinch, 12/16/2022" This narrator is seriously amazing. I loved listening to Don Quixote so much that I looked up the narrator simply to find more books narrated by him. I could not recommend more highly! "
— The Grinch, 12/16/2022" Hilarious! I have heard so many references to Don Quixote all my life, I had to read it! He is a ridiculous old man who has simply read too many stories of the knights of old. He goes questing, having no idea what's real and what's not. Fighting imaginary foes, giants and sorcerers, for his imaginary beautiful lady. But he has a heart of pure gold. I loved this book, it had me laughing out loud. A little monotonous at times, but well worth it! The film "Man from La Mancha" with Peter O' Toole and Sophia Lauren, I thought was a great embodiment of the book. "
— Bret, 2/18/2014" I read the spanish version like a boss. "
— Mauro, 2/18/2014" It's like a lumpy sack of precious quotes. "
— Nureyev25, 2/10/2014" While the first 50 or so pages start with all the fun that you'd hope from the book, the overly exaggerated nature of Don Quixote does little to change in character from that point forward. If you like him, the rest could be fun, he however felt far too much a one dimensional character; Maybe he develops more depth, but he grated ever so much on my nerves after the few hundred pages, I gave it up. "
— Jeremy, 2/9/2014" A great book, not only deep but hilarious. Some of the scenes are pure slapstick, others as beautifully written as Shakespeare. "
— Frank, 2/8/2014" I got about half way in several years ago, so don't pay too much attention to the rating. There's something very special here, and I would like to go back to this someday, but the thought of starting over, as I've surely forgotten almost everything, is too much to bear for the moment. "
— Bugenhagen, 2/6/2014" i quit because it was soooo long. "
— T3ss, 2/2/2014" All I can say is that Don is such a lovable character. He might not be the smartest out there, but he is simply wonderful in his own way, and he is unique. "
— Julia, 1/29/2014" I had to read this book because of an English class I was taking in college. When I was reading this book I didn't really care for it. But I gave it a chance and decided to start reading some 'Sparknotes' along with the book and it became much better. The book was very humorous, though I don't see really how it could be real. Possible yes, but ridiculous at the same time. lol. "
— Cara, 1/28/2014" How great is this book? I dare you to read three pages and not laugh to yourself at the wonder and sheer affection you will discover for Quixote! "
— Danielle, 1/23/2014" absolutely hilarious.. talks about a man who's gone mad and imagines himself to be a knight.. he has this funny trip with his stupid servant..and goes through hilarious situations..the best of the best.. "
— Bana, 1/22/2014" At first, it was silly (and not in a good way). Then it was boring. And still boring. And STILL boring. "
— Joseph, 1/20/2014" I found the characters to be completely unlovable. It thoroughly diminished my appreciation for the book, though I do recognize that it was well written. "
— Lauracatherine, 1/20/2014" I wish I hadn't spread this out so much and gotten distracted by other books. I think I might have liked this a little bit more if I hadn't taken a month and a half to read it. "
— Grace, 1/19/2014" Greatest work of literature of all time? Yes. For those of you looking for meaning to this unbelieveable book, here's the key: yes Don Quixote is a parody of chivalry and that can be entertaining, but the bite is in the knowledge of the parody of the spanish inquisition and the catholic church. Don Quixote is written as the noble fool who sets out to right wrongs but DOES NOT right any. His adventures are comedic (as are Sancho's misfortunes as he follow's his master's commands) but in its proper light the book is a scathing criticism of the catholic church, the spanish inquisition and the christian blindly following their edicts. "
— Eric, 1/19/2014" A three because I felt the first part was incredible and part two was not. I sometimes wonder if part II would have been better had not someone forced his hand. "
— Mary, 1/18/2014" Here's your chance to have a great time with a book and at the same time get the credit and prestige of reading a really important, classic bit of literature. Edith Grossman's translation is the translation to read in our day and age. The original modern novel. Excellent. Fun. Time to return to Don Quixote. "
— Nathan, 1/17/2014" This is a classic book and shows just how little we have changed! "
— Christopher, 1/17/2014" Loved this book. Parts of it are hysterical. "
— Benny, 1/3/2014" Phenomenal. The first half drags a bit, but the "meta" second half of the book is an unprecedented delight. "
— Brian, 12/28/2013" A little over-hyped, but still good. Funny at times, but meandering. Some of the subtlety lost in translation. "
— Naveen, 12/26/2013" Don't let the publish date fool you; this was the funniest book I've read in a long time. "
— Miriam, 12/21/2013" Lengths of fantastic storytelling, lengths of pure drudgery. "
— Kendra, 12/16/2013" Uno de los libros fav. mios. "
— Carlos, 12/14/2013" 4 words- horribly painful to read. "
— Chrisi, 12/9/2013" I tried to listen to this book and it would have perhaps been different if I had actually read it. I found it to be too cumbersome to enjoy. In fact, I didn't even get half way through it before I gave up. I know it's a classic, but as of right now, I do not have the patience to decode it. "
— Kristi, 12/5/2013" 4 words- horribly painful to read. "
— Chrisi, 11/26/2013" I've only read Part 1 in it's entirety but it was great stuff! "
— Amelia, 11/20/2013" silly. boring. over my head? "
— Camillesharee, 10/24/2013" So much truth in such a little book, I don't think it could be done any better. "
— Adrian, 10/5/2013" Can't believe that this book was written a few centuries ago. Beautifully written or because I read it in Dutch beautifully and good translated. I enjoyed it very much. "
— Nelleke, 10/4/2013" Understanding Don was hard for me when I read this years ago...hard to find the humor in his mental breakdown "
— Ben, 9/30/2013" A beautiful book and character...another light in the world. "
— Zach, 9/26/2013" This book was so funny! "
— Holly, 9/21/2013" Do not take the knight of the sorry face seriously. This book sure is thick, but it is hilarious! "
— Liza, 9/11/2013" Don Quixote was a light, fun read. I'm currently watching a series of lectures on YouTube that will hopefully help me see something deeper in this classic. "
— Michael, 7/22/2013" Don Quixote is a humorous character (he is mad afterall). The writing is good, though slightly episodic. "
— Katie, 7/21/2013" I read this in Spanish and that may have been why I disliked it so much, but there was something about Don Quixote that I just hated. I know this is a classic book, but I was not a fan. "
— Maureen, 7/2/2013" How frightened I was to recognize so much of myself in the character of Don Quixote... "
— Haikaa, 5/20/2013" What can one say about one of the greatest novels of all time? I found the stories entertaining and surprisingly funny even though they involve people, events and mores of four hundred years ago. The historical context of the events added to the charm of the book. "
— Maggie, 5/17/2013" This is I magical book, and way ahead of its time. It is one of those books that a lot of people think they know, but mostly all they can tell you about is the tilting and windmills part. There is a lot of pleasure to be found in this story if you are willing to stick with it. "
— Zero, 5/11/2013" Both parts of the original Don Quixote. "
— Debbie, 3/30/2013" I laugh until I cry ... every time I read even part of it. "
— Ricky, 3/17/2013" Wonderful book, very entertaining. Gives a fascinating insight into medieval life. "
— Peter, 2/4/2013" It's a classic. Some parts of it are just so funny and well written, but the text is quite long. "
— Fr., 1/26/2013" took a year but i love this book "
— Indra, 1/4/2013" Rather heavy-going book. wasn't a book I couldn't put down - i struggled with it. "
— Steph, 12/23/2012" I read this in high school and it remains one of my favourites. There are so many enjoyable stories within the story that come about from meeting people along the journey. "
— Zach, 12/18/2012" i quit because it was soooo long. "
— T3ss, 11/17/2012" I found it a difficult read but still remember various scenes even 5 years later. Guess there's a good reason they call it a classic. "
— Scott, 11/6/2012" This book reads like a synopsis of a very large number of slightly related skits by the Three Stooges. I have a hard time sitting through very much slapstick on the screen at one time, and found it impossible to read endless prose descriptions of physical humor. "
— Grant, 9/2/2012" Rather heavy-going book. wasn't a book I couldn't put down - i struggled with it. "
— Steph, 7/18/2012" Really good book! I enjoyed it very much :) "
— Sdf456, 10/31/2011" I read a listless and boring translation the first time, and I'd like to read it again with a great translation. "
— Cary, 5/24/2011" read this when I was in Spain, learning Spanish - it is an odd quirky little book that makes you think about your life decisions, foolish or otherwise "
— Kathleen, 3/7/2011" a little bit boring , but it wasnt that bad ... "
— Anelia, 12/11/2010" I wish I hadn't spread this out so much and gotten distracted by other books. I think I might have liked this a little bit more if I hadn't taken a month and a half to read it. "
— Grace, 2/18/2010" The main character is nutty but you start to feel for him and his ridiculous romanticism and it is slightly humourous watching him embarss himself but very long and no great revelations really. "
— Anna, 11/26/2009" The Smollett translation is so wonderful, like Beaudelaire's Poe, that this read is particularly good. I just love Smollett. "
— S., 9/27/2009" It's an intriguing book--there are many layers to work through. But it's not for everyone. My biggest problem with it is finding someone who has read the whole thing to discuss the ending! "
— Thuyen, 9/6/2009" The first and greatest novel ever written. I've read it several times - it makes me laugh out loud. You can never get bored of this book as there's just so many stories in it. "
— Fiona, 7/31/2009" My favorite book of all time. I've read in over and over through the years and always find something new.... "
— Pilar, 7/12/2009" Vol 1 has the traditional stories. Funny and sad. Vol 2 is more about Poncho and more philosophical but in a shallow way. Many memorable short stories and sayings. But sometimes a plod. "
— Larry, 4/6/2007Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra (1547–1616), novelist, playwright, and poet, was born in Spain of an ancient but impoverished family. After studying in Madrid, he became a soldier and was wounded in battle. He was taken by pirates in 1575, put in prison at Algiers, and was ransomed five years later. He spent the remainder of his life struggling to earn a livelihood from literature and humble government employment. His first attempt at fiction was a pastoral novel, La Galatea (1585), which was followed by his masterpiece, The Adventures of Don Quixote de la Mancha (1605).
George Guidall, winner of more than eighty AudioFile Earphones Awards, has won three of the prestigious Audie Award for Excellence in Audiobook Narration. In 2014 the Audio Publishers Association presented him with the Special Achievement Award for lifetime achievement/ During his thirty-year recording career he has recorded over 1,700 audiobooks, won multiple awards, been a mentor to many narrators, and shown by example the potential of fine storytelling. His forty-year acting career includes starring roles on Broadway, an Obie Award for best performance off Broadway, and frequent television appearances.