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.

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.

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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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.

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.

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.

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.

Maybe this was overhyped and I was expecting something much better? Maybe I just wasn't in the mood?

These thoughts have been萦绕 in my mind ever since I experienced whatever it was that failed to meet my expectations. It could be a movie, a book, a product, or an event. The anticipation had built up so high, but in the end, it felt like a letdown.

Perhaps the fault lies not only with the thing itself but also with my own mindset. Maybe I set the bar too high, imagining something that was almost impossible to achieve. Or maybe my mood at that particular moment influenced my perception.

But regardless of the reasons, the fact remains that I was disappointed. It makes me wonder if I should be more cautious in the future when it comes to believing the hype. Maybe I should lower my expectations and approach things with a more open and flexible mind.

After all, sometimes the best things in life come when we least expect them.

A good translation and abridged edition of "Don Quixote" can be a great way to experience this classic work. As a whole, however, Don Quixote was a bit of a mixed bag for me. It felt too episodic and repetitive at times, which made it a bit of a slog to get through. But then again, who am I to criticize Cervantes? He is a literary giant, and his work has stood the test of time for a reason.

I did find myself laughing at certain parts of the book, especially in the early chapters. But after about 500 pages, with 400 more to go, I started to lose interest. The story just seemed to drag on and on. However, I did love the metaphysical aspect of Part II, which added a new layer of depth to the story. And there were certain scenes in Part I that were truly memorable and had me on the edge of my seat.

Overall, while Don Quixote wasn't my favorite book, I can still appreciate its significance and the impact it has had on literature. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the novel or the works of Cervantes.

Through this volume, I read the abridged Putnam translation in high school. It was a captivating experience that introduced me to the wonderful world of Don Quixote. However, I know that there is so much more to discover in the unabridged version. Someday, I'll read the unabridged Putnam translation and review it in turn. The Knight of the Woeful Countenance is a character that has been the subject of countless discussions and analyses. Is there anything I can say about him that hasn't already been said by others more eloquent than myself? Perhaps not, but that doesn't stop me from having my own thoughts and interpretations. Don Quixote is one of the fundamental works of the Western canon for a reason. It explores themes such as idealism, reality, and the power of imagination. It is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today.

I am putting Don Quixote on hold until I obtain a non-abridged version.

Update: Now I have an unabridged edition, but the translation is all in Middle English. Oh well.

It seems that my journey to fully understand and enjoy Don Quixote has had a few setbacks. First, I had to wait for the right version, and now that I have it, the translation presents a new challenge.

However, I'm not one to give up easily. I'll do my best to make sense of the Middle English and immerse myself in the world of Don Quixote.

Thanks, Mike, for your support along the way. Maybe with a bit of perseverance, I'll be able to appreciate this classic novel in all its glory.