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Literary Fiction· Spain

Don Quixote

by Miguel de Cervantes
Aggregate Editorial Score44/100
Guardian 100 Best Novels
Published 1605519 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

Few works of literary fiction have earned the sustained critical attention that Don Quixote (1605) by Miguel de Cervantes continues to receive. The addled knight-errant Don Quixote and his earthy squire Sancho Panza wander Spain tilting at windmills and pursuing impossible ideals in the novel widely considered the first modern novel and the greatest work of fiction ever written. Cervantes's masterpiece invented the unreliable narrator and the meta-novel four centuries ago. Themes of idealism, reality, adventure run through the work. The book has received recognition from Guardian 100 Best Novels 1605.

Book Details

AuthorMiguel de Cervantes
Published1605
Country of Origin🇪🇸 Spain
LanguageEnglish
Pages519
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9780060934347
Editorial Score44/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇪🇸 Spain

This book is part of Spain's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Spain →

Editorial Assessment

Miguel de Cervantes published Don Quixote in 1605, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of literary fiction from Spain. The book's treatment of idealism, reality, adventure, madness accounts for much of its enduring reputation. Among its recognitions: Guardian 100 Best Novels 1605. With an editorial score of 44/100 drawn from 1 independent sources, the book occupies a well-documented position in the critical literature. Its recognition spans international prizes, "best of" lists, and academic surveys. Readers coming to Don Quixote for the first time will find a work that rewards patience. The book's handling of idealism, reality, adventure, madness is layered rather than didactic, and a second reading often reveals dimensions the first pass only hinted at. Don Quixote reflects Miguel de Cervantes's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with Spain's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Guardian 100 Best Novels
list · global
160521
✍️
About the Author
Miguel de Cervantes
Spain
View Author →

Miguel de Cervantes is a celebrated author from Spain known for influential works of literary fiction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Don Quixote about?

The addled knight-errant Don Quixote and his earthy squire Sancho Panza wander Spain tilting at windmills and pursuing impossible ideals in the novel widely considered the first modern novel and the greatest work of fiction ever written. Cervantes's masterpiece invented the unreliable narrator and the meta-novel four centuries ago.

Who wrote Don Quixote?

Don Quixote was written by Miguel de Cervantes, from Spain. First published in 1605.

What awards has Don Quixote won?

Don Quixote has received the following awards and honours: Guardian 100 Best Novels 1605.

Is Don Quixote worth reading?

Don Quixote is a book that has earned critical recognition, with an aggregate editorial score of 21/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 1 editorial source. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in idealism, reality, adventure.

Where can I buy Don Quixote?

You can buy Don Quixote on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Don Quixote?

Don Quixote is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is Don Quixote from?

Don Quixote originates from Spain's literary tradition. Explore more books from Spain on our country page.

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