The History of Don Quixote, Volume 2, Part 19

A richly annotated volume that pulls back the curtain on the tangled history of Cervantes’s most famous work. Inside, readers encounter a lively exchange between the author and the Count of Lemos, where Cervantes explains his reluctant role in sending a new edition of his tale across continents, even to an eager Chinese emperor. The text also offers a candid preface in which Cervantes defends his own reputation against critics of the spurious sequel, blending humor with heartfelt reflection on his literary battles.

Beyond the letters, the edition pairs the classic English translation with the striking woodcuts of Gustave Dore, inviting listeners to picture the vivid scenes that once illustrated the novel’s adventures. Editorial notes illuminate the choices behind the translation, contrasting Jarvis, Motteaux, and Ormsby’s renderings, while also revealing the printer’s own doubts about the illustrations. This combination of historical insight, personal correspondence, and visual art makes the volume a compelling companion for anyone curious about the enduring legacy of the wandering knight.