Miguel de Cervantes
Miguel de Cervantes was a Spanish writer widely regarded as the greatest writer in the Spanish language, and one of the world's pre-eminent novelists. He was born in Alcalá de Henares in 1547 and died in Madrid in 1616. Here are some key points about his life and work:
- Early Life: Little is known about Cervantes' early life. His family was of minor nobility but not wealthy, and his father was a surgeon. Cervantes studied in Madrid and then moved to Seville where he worked for a time.
- Military Career: In 1570, he enlisted in the Spanish Army where he served in several notable battles, including the Battle of Lepanto in 1571, where he lost the use of his left hand, earning him the nickname "El Manco de Lepanto" (the one-handed man from Lepanto). Despite this injury, he continued his military service until he was captured by Ottoman corsairs in 1575.
- Captivity: Cervantes was imprisoned in Algiers for five years. His efforts to escape and his ransom negotiations were unsuccessful until his family managed to pay the ransom, and he was released in 1580.
- Literary Career:
- His first published work was La Galatea, a pastoral romance, in 1585.
- He later wrote plays, poems, and novellas, but his most famous work is "Don Quixote," published in two parts in 1605 and 1615. This novel is considered one of the founding works of modern Western literature.
- Cervantes also wrote numerous plays, some of which have survived, and many short stories, notably collected in "Novelas Ejemplares" (Exemplary Novels).
- Personal Struggles: Cervantes faced many hardships, including financial difficulties, legal issues, and imprisonment for discrepancies in his accounts while working as a tax collector.
- Legacy: His influence on literature cannot be overstated. "Don Quixote" has been translated into numerous languages and adapted into various forms of media. His work has inspired countless writers and artists.
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