Miguel de Cervantes: The Man Behind Don Quixote
Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra (Alcalà de Henares, 29 September 1547 – Madrid, 23 April 1616) is best known for his novel 'El ingenioso hidalgo don Quijote de la Mancha', which has sold 500 million copies worldwide. However, Cervantes was also a soldier, having fought at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571 where he lost the use of his left hand. He was captured by pirates and held for five years. After his release, he worked as a supplier for the Invincible Armada and as a tax collector, was excommunicated twice, imprisoned for bankruptcy, and acquitted of murder. He produced his best work from 1606 until his death. His tomb in the Convent of the Trinitarians in Madrid was lost and only rediscovered in 2015. The term 'donchisciottesco' (quixotic) derived from his character has become a universal descriptor for idealistic pursuits.
Key facts
- Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra was born in Alcalà de Henares on 29 September 1547 and died in Madrid on 23 April 1616.
- He wrote 6 prose works, 5 poetic works, and 18 plays.
- He fought at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571 and lost use of his left hand.
- He was captured by pirates and held hostage for five years.
- His novel 'Don Quixote' has sold 500 million copies worldwide.
- Spanish is the second most spoken language globally, with 414 million native speakers, and is called 'the language of Cervantes'.
- His tomb was rediscovered in 2015, nearly 400 years after his death.
- The adjective 'donchisciottesco' (quixotic) is used to describe idealistic, utopian pursuits.
Entities
Artists
- Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
- Terry Gilliam
- Carla Bissi
Institutions
- Artspecialday
- Convento dei Trinitari Scalzi
- MIfacciodiCultura
Locations
- Alcalà de Henares
- Spain
- Madrid
- Italy
- Lepanto