Originally titled-- El ingenioso hidalgo don Quijote de la Mancha.Part I first published in 1605, Part II in 1615.Translated to English, in 1885, by John Ormsby (1829-1895)With Beautiful Illustrations by Gustave Dore.Introduction:It would be interesting to know how much of the story of Don Quixote was inspired by the author\'s own life. Authors often do translate their experiences and observations into their writing. When you read a biography about Miguel Cervantes, you can find similarities and understand the philosophies that are often expressed in his most famous work. Don Quixote puts on his armor in hopes of making his name and fortune by becoming a knight. As he often states, he doesn\'t have letters, so he makes his fame by arms. Miguel Cervantes struggled all of his life for the same achievements. He achieved fame with the publication of Don Quixote in 1605 (the first part)--which was considered the first best seller (translated into 60 different languages) and credited as the first modern novel. Yet, it did not make him rich--as authors did not receive royalties.The author was a son of a deaf surgeon, born in 1547, and also tried to make his fortune by taking up arms in 1570. He fought as a soldier against the Ottoman empire, and no doubt his experiences were told through the character Ruy Perez. Cervantes was known for his bravery, and he suffered crippling injuries, maiming his left hand along with two chest wounds. In 1575, he and his brother were captured by the Turks on a return voyage to Spain. Cervantes would spend five years as a slave, despite numerous attempts to escape--finally being liberated when his ransom was paid. He tried to make it as a playwright, which was considered more lucrative (and no doubt inspired some dialogue in Don Quixote about the perversity of plays), and failed. He worked as a commissary for the Spanish Armada. He was not apparently very good at convincing rural communities to hand over their grain, and he was imprisoned twice for mismanagement. However, it was in prison that he started writing his greatest work.