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The Portable Cervantes

miguel de cervantes saavedra samuel putnam

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Contains Don Quixote, in Samuel Putnam's acclaimed translation, substantially complete, with editorial summaries of the omitted passages; two Exemplary Novels, 'Rinconete and Cortadillo' and 'Man of Glass'; and 'Foot in the Stirrup,' Cervantes's extraordinary farewell to life from The Troubles of Persiles and Sigismunda.

854 pages, Paperback

First published October 1,1951

This edition

Format
854 pages, Paperback
Published
November 18, 1976 by Penguin Classics
ISBN
9780140150575
ASIN
0140150579
Language
English
Characters More characters
  • Sancho Panza

    Sancho Panza

    Sancho Panza is a fictional character in the novel Don Quixote, written by Spanish author Don Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra in 1605. Sancho acts as squire to Don Quixote, and provides comments throughout the novel, known as sanchismos, that are a combinati...

  • Don Quijote de la Mancha

    Don Quijote De La Mancha

    Name also spelled "Quixote," "Quichot". The spelling "Quijote" listed here as it was the name given in the original version of the story.Contrary to popular belief, "Don" is not this characters first name; In Spanish, "don" is a title meaning someth...

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About the author

Profile Image for miguel de cervantes saavedra

miguel de cervantes saavedra

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Miguel de Cervantes y Cortinas, later Saavedra was a Spanish novelist, poet, and playwright. His novel Don Quixote is often considered his magnum opus, as well as the first modern novel.

It is assumed that Miguel de Cervantes was born in Alcalá de Henares. His father was Rodrigo de Cervantes, a surgeon of cordoban descent. Little is known of his mother Leonor de Cortinas, except that she was a native of Arganda del Rey.

In 1569, Cervantes moved to Italy, where he served as a valet to Giulio Acquaviva, a wealthy priest who was elevated to cardinal the next year. By then, Cervantes had enlisted as a soldier in a Spanish Navy infantry regiment and continued his military life until 1575, when he was captured by Algerian corsairs. He was then released on ransom from his captors by his parents and the Trinitarians, a Catholic religious order.

He subsequently returned to his family in Madrid.
In Esquivias (Province of Toledo), on 12 December 1584, he married the much younger Catalina de Salazar y Palacios (Toledo, Esquivias –, 31 October 1626), daughter of Fernando de Salazar y Vozmediano and Catalina de Palacios. Her uncle Alonso de Quesada y Salazar is said to have inspired the character of Don Quixote. During the next 20 years Cervantes led a nomadic existence, working as a purchasing agent for the Spanish Armada and as a tax collector. He suffered a bankruptcy and was imprisoned at least twice (1597 and 1602) for irregularities in his accounts. Between 1596 and 1600, he lived primarily in Seville. In 1606, Cervantes settled in Madrid, where he remained for the rest of his life.
Cervantes died in Madrid on April 23, 1616.
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Community Reviews

Rating(4.4 / 5.0, 16 votes)
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16 reviews All reviews
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Dude_Perfect
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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DNF, which stands for "Did Not Finish", is a common term among readers. In my case, there were some books that I started reading but didn't manage to complete.

However, the parts that I did read, I truly loved. It was just that after a certain point, my interest waned.

One book that has always held a special place in my heart is "Don Quixote". I have a deep affection for Don Quixote and his captivating story.

No matter how much time passes, my love for this classic will never fade. It's a story that has the power to transport me to another world and make me believe in the impossible.

Even though I may have DNF'd some books along the way, "Don Quixote" will always remain one of my all-time favorites.
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twohourvacation
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Putnam's notes have truly revolutionized the experience of reading Don Quixote outside of the classroom.

They make what could otherwise be a daunting task not only manageable but also highly enjoyable.

If you, like me, have an insatiable urge to read anything that is regarded as a classic, then I wholeheartedly recommend this particular version of Don Quixote.

The notes provide valuable insights and context, enhancing our understanding of the text.

They help to untangle the complex plot and characters, making the reading process much smoother.

With Putnam's notes by your side, you can embark on a journey through the world of Don Quixote with confidence and enthusiasm.

So, don't hesitate to pick up this version and discover the magic of this literary masterpiece for yourself.
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Sofea_05
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Love this translation by Samuel Putnam.

It isn’t every single word of “Don Quixote” that is included, but it encompasses most of it. And Part I is simply uproariously hilarious.

In the next 400+ years, there have only been a very small number of novels that are this funny.

The early conversations between Quixote and Sancho Panza are bound to make most readers burst out laughing.

Part II is usually considered the “better” part as it has so many “meta” levels regarding the “text.” And it is indeed terrific as well.

However, when it comes to pure humor, you just can't surpass Part I.

“The Portable Cervantes” is a nearly perfect edition suitable for everyone.

It provides a wonderful opportunity for readers to explore the comical and captivating world of “Don Quixote” through Putnam's translation.

Whether you are a seasoned literature enthusiast or a newcomer to the works of Cervantes, this edition is sure to bring you joy and entertainment.

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feito26
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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DNF, also known as Dungeon & Fighter, is a popular online role-playing game.

It has a large and dedicated fan base around the world. The game features a variety of different character classes, each with their own unique skills and abilities.

Players can explore a vast and immersive game world, filled with dungeons, monsters, and treasures.

The combat in DNF is fast-paced and action-packed, requiring players to use their skills and strategies to defeat their enemies.

In addition to the main storyline, DNF also offers a wide range of side quests and activities, keeping players engaged and entertained for hours on end.

Overall, DNF is a highly engaging and addictive game that offers something for everyone. Whether you're a fan of role-playing games or just looking for a fun and challenging online experience, DNF is definitely worth checking out.
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purple_neko
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I initially had a great liking for this book. In certain parts, the antics of the mad Don Quixote and his unorthodox squire Sancho are truly hilarious, making one laugh out loud. However, in other areas, the story progresses at a rather sluggish pace. Eventually, I found myself skimming through long passages just to get to the next interesting bit. After a while, I decided that I'd had enough. I've already grasped the general idea and flavor of the piece. It simply doesn't seem worth my time to persevere until the end. Nevertheless, I'm still glad that I read the parts that I did. It provided me with some entertaining moments and a glimpse into the unique world of Don Quixote and Sancho.

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Newnono
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Of 'Don Quixote':

This substantial, yet abridged version of 'Don Quixote' is the sole one I have perused.

To begin with, the notes were immensely beneficial. The plot is rather straightforward, but Quixote's ceaseless allusions to the literature of knight-errantry and Sancho Panza's proverbs would be nearly incomprehensible without them.

Initially, I found Don Quixote uproariously funny. Quixote's soliloquies on the virtues and laws of chivalry, and the way he addresses people are highly amusing. Despite a few tiresome digressions, the first part is a powerful testament to why this classic is a top contender on many people's list for the greatest book ever written.

Regarding the second part, it commences strongly with the protagonists comically addressing the inconsistencies of the first part. They speak with greater depth and pathos than in the first book, and the first few adventures led me to believe I was in for more of the best aspects of the first part. However, very soon the worst of the first part is brought to the forefront and magnified tenfold until the very bitter end. A whole cast of uninteresting characters flit in and out of the story. The entire lengthy and tiring sequence of Quixote and Panza in the company of the Duke and Duchess (which占据了第二本书的大部分篇幅) is not only mind-numbingly convoluted with side stories and digressions, but it also makes a mockery of what we have been led to believe are the established virtues of both protagonists.

Whereas before Quixote was a well-intentioned but endearingly foolish and side-splittingly funny "knight-errant", in the second book he is little more than a dunce and a pawn under the seemingly cruel and gratuitous pranks of his ducal hosts. For all his silliness, Don Quixote has been charming enough for us to laugh at his own fantasies, but no one, I think, wants to see him MADE the fool of. His "intelligence" is occasionally redeemed with a poignant (although perhaps undeserved) monologue to Sancho Panza on governance, chivalry, or temperance, but for most of the second part, Quixote is only a shadow of the charming character we met in the first book.

As for Sancho Panza, his character becomes so muddled as to be almost unrecognizable. In one instance, he is the simple, slightly greedy, but good-hearted squire we know, in another he is practically a pillar of parochial wisdom and tender governance. In one moment he is as captivated by the life of knight-errantry as Quixote is, in another he is not only a liar (as in the episode of Clavileno), but ultimately, after he shirks the penance he promised to pay to "awaken" Dulcinela, he seems like little more than a crook.

All this, coupled with a host of wearisome digressions and a whole bunch of glaring inconsistencies in plot and narrative (one note describes one error in narration as, "a confusion of ideas it would be difficult to match."), makes it extremely hard to claim that I have just read "the greatest piece of fiction ever written".

That being said, I will eventually read the entire thing, although I'm certain the increased length will only add to my list of perceived deficiencies.
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Harizak
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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The Portable Cervantes is a remarkable collection. It includes Samuel Putnam's translation of Don Quixote (both parts one and two), along with two engaging short stories, "Rinconete and Cortadillo" and "Man of Glass". Additionally, it features "Foot in the Stirrup", which were Cervantes' final words penned just days before his passing.


I must confess that I didn't approach this book from a strictly critical literary perspective. Instead, I came to it as an avid reader who had heard countless fascinating things about the main story of Don Quixote. This book is over 400 years old, and I'm sure that a great deal of its significance and meaning is lost on a modern reader like me, lacking the background and understanding of chivalrous writings and tales of "knight-errantry" that Cervantes was playfully satirizing in his work. Fortunately, Putnam's abridgement, his notes on what he cut, and his footnotes were extremely beneficial in helping me understand some of the context.


As a word of caution, it's advisable not to read the introduction first as it contains several spoilers. However, I found it quite useful after finishing the book as it elaborates on the significance of Cervantes' works, provides some biographical details about the author, and touches on the book's popularity over the years. The introduction also explains how Cervantes allowed his characters to develop and evolve throughout the story, which was a novel and exciting concept for a fictional tale in the 1600s. There's a line in the main story that neatly sums up my experience: "To those acquainted with Don Quixote’s mad whims, all this was very amusing indeed, but to the rest it seemed utter nonsense." If it weren't for Putnam's footnotes and his introduction, I might have given up reading very early on!


I'll admit that I thought a good portion of the story was a bit on the silly side, but I did thoroughly enjoy the banter between Don Quixote and his trusty squire Sancho Panza. Their numerous humorous exchanges still managed to make me laugh today. I also relished many of Sancho's proverbs on various topics, as well as Don Quixote's general wisdom that he frequently shared with anyone willing to listen. I wouldn't say this is an easy read, as there are numerous footnotes that you'll have to refer to in order to understand what's happening. However, given the profound impact this work has had on writers and fiction as we know it today, I'm glad I took the time to read it.

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imffr
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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The Portable Cervantes - Don Quixote.


This literary masterpiece is truly a gem. It is absolutely amusing and brings great delight, constantly making me smile. Don Quixote is such an old-fashioned romantic, filled with gallantry, honor, adventure, and yes, misadventures. His idealistic and often comical attempts to live out the chivalric code in a modern world are both endearing and entertaining.


I have developed a deep love for this book. It has the power to transport me to a different time and place, allowing me to experience the joys and sorrows of the characters. When I finish reading it, I know that I will probably pick it up again and embark on this wonderful journey all over again.


Don Quixote is not just a story; it is a reflection on human nature, on the power of imagination, and on the pursuit of ideals. It is a book that will stay with me for a long time, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good read.
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