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No Ordinary Man: The Life and Times of Miguel de Cervantes

donald p. mccrory

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"A fascinating story."—Choice
"A remarkable achievement."—Sunday Herald
For the general reader, as well as students and historians, this absorbing study chronicles the life and work of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra (1547–1616). World-renowned as the author of Don Quixote, the "Spanish Shakespeare" led an adventurous and fruitful life that encompassed widely disparate roles—spy, lover, soldier, hostage, tax collector, poet, playwright, and, most notably, creator of the first European novel.
This biography is based on new original research, and incorporates previously unpublished material on Cervantes' long period of captivity in Algiers; also, his involvement with piracy in the Mediterranean and with espionage and the Spanish Armada; and his work as an agent of the Spanish government. Containing significant details never before available in English, it is an important contribution to the understanding of a unique literary figure.

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,2002

This edition

Format
352 pages, Paperback
Published
August 25, 2006 by Dover Publications
ISBN
9780486453613
ASIN
0486453618
Language
English

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donald p. mccrory

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Rating(3.8 / 5.0, 4 votes)
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mrtoycar
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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As any astute biographer or scholar would undertake, McCrory embarks on a comprehensive exploration of all Cervantine studies.

He meticulously synthesizes these existing works with his own in-depth research and novel ideas.

Simultaneously, he doesn't shy away from highlighting the missteps (such as unfounded conjectures) and the triumphs of his scholarly predecessors.

This endeavor results in a remarkable primer that traces the fascinating trajectory of a true genius.

Despite facing one setback after another, Cervantes managed to offer the world an enduring masterpiece.

McCrory's work provides valuable insights into the life and creative process of this literary giant, shedding light on the challenges he overcame and the genius that shone through.

It serves as an essential resource for anyone interested in understanding the evolution of Cervantine literature and the man behind the masterpiece.
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ZackTyce
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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He wasn't. Miguel de Cervantes that is. But he was almost as elusive a figure as Shakespeare. There is even doubt as to whether they really did die on the same day, which was 23 April 1616.

There's a bit more to his life story. Cervantes fought at the Battle of Lepanto. He rose from his sick bed to take part and received a wound that left his left hand permanently maimed. He was captured by Barbary Coast pirates and kept as a slave in Algiers for five years. He also served the king of Spain as an official and tax collector. However, there are as many blanks as filled-out pages in his life.

McCrory does a good job of telling what we know and makes reasonable guesses as to what we don't. He's also good at setting Cervantes' world in context. But, unlike Cervantes himself, it is a trifle worthy and just a little bit dull. Still, it is an excellent introduction to the man behind the man from La Mancha. It gives us a better understanding of the life and times of this important literary figure.

We learn about his adventures, his hardships, and his contributions to literature. Although the book may not be the most exciting read, it is a valuable resource for anyone interested in Cervantes and his work.
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Eclio413
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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So. Dry.

This particular work had the potential to be an amazing biography. It boasted elements such as adventure, which could have taken the readers on thrilling journeys. There was also intrigue, adding a layer of mystery and excitement. Captivity and daring escape attempts were present, which should have made the story pulse with tension and drama.

However, the author unfortunately managed to drag it all down. Instead of bringing these exciting elements to life, they made the entire narrative dull and bland. It was a disappointment to see such potential go to waste.

As a result, I'll be looking for another Cervantes bio. One that can do justice to the life and times of this remarkable author and truly engage the reader with the fascinating events and experiences that shaped him.
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Lucilar
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I had a strong desire to truly understand him in order to have a deeper comprehension of Don Quixote. However, this particular book failed to fulfill that need for me. It was充斥着 (was filled with) an excessive amount of Court machination, detailed financial information, and cultural competition. It was promoted as being non-scholarly and easily readable, but unfortunately, it wasn't. Nevertheless, I still gave it a rating of 3, mainly because of the evident amount of work that had been put into it. Now, I am ready to move on and explore "Don Quixote" itself. I am eager to see what this classic work has in store for me and how it will help me to better understand the character and the story. I hope that it will provide the insights and perspectives that I was seeking from the previous book.


I needed to know him to know Don Quixote...


But this book didn't do that for me. Too much Court machination, financial detail, cultural competition. This was touted as non-scholarly readable. It wasn't. Still, I gave it a 3, because of the obvious work done. Now, on to "Don Quixote" itself...
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