Miguel de Cervantes
Miguel de Cervantes (1547–1616) was a Spanish novelist, playwright, and poet, widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the Spanish language and one of the most important figures in world literature. Born in Alcalá de Henares, Spain, Cervantes is best known for his monumental work, Don Quixote, considered the first modern novel and a masterpiece of Western literature.
Cervantes led a tumultuous life marked by both adventure and hardship. In his early years, he served as a soldier in the Spanish navy and fought in the famous Battle of Lepanto in 1571, where he was wounded and lost the use of his left hand, earning him the nickname "The Cripple of Lepanto." After being captured by Barbary pirates in 1575, he spent five years as a slave in Algiers before being ransomed and returning to Spain.
Despite his literary genius, Cervantes struggled financially throughout his life. He worked in various roles, including as a purchasing agent for the Spanish Armada and a tax collector, but often faced legal troubles and imprisonment. These experiences, combined with his keen observations of human nature, deeply influenced his writing.
Cervantes published Don Quixote in two parts (1605 and 1615), blending humor, satire, and profound philosophical insight to explore themes such as idealism, reality, and the human condition. The novel follows the misadventures of an aging knight, Don Quixote, and his loyal squire, Sancho Panza, offering a timeless commentary on the clash between dreams and reality.
In addition to Don Quixote, Cervantes wrote plays, poems, and short stories, including the collection Novelas ejemplares (1613). His works have had a lasting impact on literature, inspiring countless adaptations and studies. Cervantes passed away in Madrid in 1616, leaving a legacy as one of history's most influential literary figures.