Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the Spanish language and one of the world’s pre-eminent novelists, is best known for his novel “Don Quixote.” Miguel de Cervantes was born in September 1547 in Alcalá de Henares, near Madrid, Spain. He came from a modest background; his father was a surgeon. Cervantes served in the Spanish military and fought in the Battle of Lepanto in 1571, where he was wounded and lost the use of his left hand. Later, he was captured by pirates and spent five years as a slave in Algiers before being ransomed.
He began his literary career after returning to Spain. His most famous work, “Don Quixote,” was first published in two parts in 1605 and 1615. The novel is considered one of Western literature’s earliest and most significant works. In addition to “Don Quixote,” Cervantes wrote many other works, including plays, poems, and short stories. Some of his notable works include “Novelas Ejemplares” (Exemplary Novels) and “La Galatea.” Despite his literary success, he struggled financially throughout his life. He died on April 22, 1616, in Madrid, Spain. Coincidentally, this was the same day as the death of William Shakespeare, although they died under different calendars (Spain used the Gregorian calendar, while England used the Julian calendar at that time). Miguel de Cervantes is often referred to as the “Prince of Spanish Literature.” His work, particularly “Don Quixote,” has had a profound influence on Western literature and continues to be studied and celebrated around the world.
Cervantes’ life was marked by adventure, hardship, and literary achievement, making him a fascinating figure in Spanish and world history.
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Lazarus Carpenter - Author 