Don Quixote, written by Miguel de Cervantes, is one of the most influential works of literature ever penned.
Published in two parts in 1605 and 1615, this Spanish novel tells the story of Alonso Quixano, a nobleman who loses his sanity after reading too many chivalric romances.
Believing himself to be a knight-errant named Don Quixote de la Mancha, he sets out on a series of adventures to revive chivalry and right the world's wrongs, accompanied by his loyal squire, Sancho Panza. The novel is celebrated for its rich characterization, its intricate interplay of reality and illusion, and its satirical examination of the noble ideals of chivalry.
Plot Summary of Don Quixote
A retired and impoverished gentleman named Alonzo Quixano lives in the Spanish province of La Mancha. He has read so many romances of chivalry that he decides one day to revive the ancient custom of knight-errantry. Changing his name to Don Quixote de la Mancha, he has himself dubbed a knight by a rascally publican whose miserable inn he mistakes for a castle.
For armour, he dons an old suit of mail that belonged to his great-grandfather. Then, upon a bony old nag he calls Rosinante, he sets out on his first adventure. Not far from his village, he falls into the company of some travelling merchants who beat the mad old man severely when he challenges them.
Conclusion
Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes is considered the greatest work of Western literature for several reasons, chief among them its profound exploration of human nature and the art of storytelling.