Don Quixote was written by Miguel de Cervantes and translated, at least the version I read, by Tobias Smollett. The book itself is composed of two volumes with four books each. The comedic story stars Don Quixote, a disillusioned middle-aged Spanish gentleman, as a knights-errant and his squire, Sancho Panza, a simple peasant. This parody is very enjoyable and I hope to inspire you to read it through my brief summery, some intellectual reviews, and my personal review.
Don Quixote became obsessed with reading novels of chivalry, and decided to become a knight-errant. He named his horse Rozinante, made the country wench Aldonza Loreno his mistress, though to him, she was Dulcinea del Toboso, and set off on his first adventure to defend the helpless and destroy the wicked. It fails, so he decides to get a squire, Sancho Panza, under the promise that Sancho will become a wealthy governor of an island. They set off on their adventure with stealing, harming rather then defending the helpless, being sick, trampled, bruised, tricked, and meeting plenty of interesting characters. All the while poor Sancho tries to set his masters" outlandish fantasies, but to no avail. Being tricked into coming home, Don Quixote doesn't stay long and soon goes off once again, thus beginning the second volume. With his first and a false second adventures in print, Don Quixote finds his reputation preceding him. They soon meet Duke and Duchess, who makes life miserable for our two heroes" with many devious tricks and exploits. As soon as Don Quixote continues his adventure, he is defeated by the Knight of the White Moon and must go home. At his arrival home, he dies from a fever.
This review was first written and read as part of the Hackett Memorial Lecture in 1975:.
All is possible and all is in doubt In the new world of criticism, Don Quixote is a knight of the faith.
