Miguel de Cervantes

Alcalá de Henares (RPS 08-11-2014) Plaza de Cervantes

Madrid - Monumento a Miguel de Cervantes (35231601834)

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Cervantes en Lepanto

Miguel de Cervantes at the National Library

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Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra (29 September 1547 – 22 April 1616) was a Spanish writer widely regarded as the greatest writer in the Spanish language and one of the world's pre-eminent novelists. His most famous work, Don Quixote, sometimes considered the first modern novel, is a classic of Western literature and is regularly regarded among the best works of fiction ever written. Cervantes' influence on the Spanish language has been so great that the language is often called la lengua de Cervantes (the language of Cervantes).

Biography

Miguel de Cervantes was born in Alcalá de Henares, a small town near Madrid, Spain, in 1547. The exact date of his birth is not known, but he was baptized on October 9, 1547. Cervantes' life was full of adventures and financial difficulties. In 1571, he enlisted in the Spanish Navy and fought in the Battle of Lepanto, where he was seriously wounded and lost the use of his left hand. Despite his injury, Cervantes continued his military career in Italy and the Mediterranean.

In 1575, while returning to Spain, Cervantes was captured by Barbary pirates and taken as a slave to Algiers. He spent five years in captivity before being ransomed by his family and the Trinitarian friars in 1580. After his return to Spain, Cervantes worked in various administrative positions but struggled financially. He started writing during this period, producing plays, poems, and eventually, his masterpiece, Don Quixote.

Literary Career

Cervantes' literary career did not begin in earnest until he was in his late thirties, and he faced many hardships and rejections. His first significant work, La Galatea, was published in 1585, but it was Don Quixote that brought him lasting fame. The first part of Don Quixote was published in 1605, and it was an immediate success. The second part was published in 1615, a year before his death.

Don Quixote is celebrated for its innovative structure, satirical treatment of chivalry, and its exploration of the concept of reality and fiction. Cervantes created a narrative that plays with multiple perspectives, challenging the reader's perceptions and expectations. The novel's characters, including the idealistic protagonist Don Quixote and his pragmatic squire, Sancho Panza, have become iconic.

In addition to Don Quixote, Cervantes wrote several other novels, including Novelas ejemplares, a collection of twelve short stories published in 1613, and La Galatea. He also wrote plays, although few of them have survived.

Legacy

Cervantes died in Madrid on April 22, 1616, but his influence on literature and the Spanish language endures. He is often credited with shaping modern literary narrative. The 400th anniversary of his death in 2016 was commemorated worldwide, highlighting his global impact.

Don Quixote has been translated into more languages than any other book except the Bible, making Cervantes' work accessible to a vast audience. His innovative use of language and narrative techniques has inspired countless writers and artists over the centuries.

See Also

• Spanish literature
• History of Spain
• Renaissance literature