Miguel Cervantes Spanish writer, author of Don Quixote Date of Birth: 29.09.1547 Country: Spain

1. Biography of Miguel de Cervantes
2. Early Life and Captivity
3. Writing Career and Imprisonment
4. The Birth of Don Quixote
5. Later Life and Death
6. Legacy and Works

Biography of Miguel de Cervantes

Miguel de Cervantes, a Spanish writer, is considered the creator of a new humorous novel that destroyed the chivalric romance. He was born on September 29 (the feast day of Saint Michael) in a poor hidalgo family. Miguel de Cervantes was baptized on October 9, 1547, in Alcalá de Henares.

Early Life and Captivity

In 1570, Cervantes participated in the war against the Turks. During the naval battle of Lepanto on October 7, 1571, he lost his left hand. Upon his return to his homeland, he was captured by pirates and sold into slavery to an Algerian pasha. Cervantes spent five years in captivity, making four unsuccessful attempts to escape.

Writing Career and Imprisonment

In 1580, Cervantes was redeemed by missionaries and returned to Madrid, where he began his literary career. However, literature brought him meager income, forcing Cervantes to move to Seville and work as a procurer of provisions for the fleet. Later, he joined the civil service as a tax collector. During his six years of service (1587-1603), Cervantes was imprisoned three times.

The Birth of Don Quixote

In 1602, while imprisoned in Seville, Miguel de Cervantes started working on the novel "The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha." The success of the first part, published in 1605, led to the publication of a "continuation" by a certain A. Fernández de Avellaneda. This prompted Cervantes to write the second part of the novel, which was published in 1615.

Later Life and Death

Towards the end of his life, Cervantes took religious vows and joined the Order of Tertiaries. He died on April 23, 1616, in Madrid. The expenses for his burial were covered by the Brotherhood of the Order of Tertiaries, although the exact location of his grave remains unknown.

Legacy and Works

Miguel de Cervantes is considered the creator of a new humorous novel that destroyed chivalric romance. Among his works are sonnets, elegies, approximately 30 plays, and the novels "Galatea" (1585; a pastoral novel), "Numancia" (1588; a patriotic tragedy), "The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha" (1602-1605 - Part 1, 1615 - Part 2; a novel that includes around 670 characters), "Exemplary Novels" (1613), "Eight New Comedies and Interludes" (1615), and "The Travels of Persiles and Sigismunda" (published in 1617; a romantic-adventure novel). His plays include "The Customs of Algiers," "The Great Sultana," "The Widow's Deceiver," "The Vigilant Constable," and "The Divorce Court Judge." His novellas include "The Generous Lover," "The English Spanish Lady," "Conversation of Two Dogs," "Rinconete and Cortadillo," "The Illustrious Kitchen Maid," "The Gypsy Girl," "The Jealous Extremaduran," and "Licentiate Vidriera."