The text reprinted here is based on award-winning translator BurtonRaffel's masterful translation of Don Quijote, which is consistent,fluid, and modeled closely on the original
Spanish.
"Backgrounds and Context" invites readers to explore the creativeprocess that culminated in the publication of Don Quijote. Included areselections from works parodied by
Cervantes (Amadis of Gaul and OrlandoFurioso) and a portion of the spurious sequel to Part 1 written byFern�癒ndes de Avellaneda.
"Criticisms" presents fifteen major interpretations of both the noveland selected episodes, describing Cervantes' intellectual milieu,revealing how he infused new life into the literary modes
and motifs hehad inherited, and illustrating the fundamental importance of DonQuijote in the history of modern fiction.
