Don Quixote (Signet Classics) [Abridged] [Paperback]

Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra (Author), Walter Starkie (Translator, Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 3, 2003

Brimming with humor, rich in idealism and earthy common sense, this highly-esteemed translation and abridgement of the beloved masterpiece will enchant a new generation of readers. Recommended in Laura Berquist British Literature Author: Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra Format: 544 pages, Paperback Publisher: Signet Classics Abridged edition (June 3, 2003) ISBN: 978-0451528902

Product Details

• Paperback: 544 pages
• Publisher: Signet Classics; Abridged edition (June 3, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451528905
• ISBN-13: 978-0451528902
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #110,815 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Don Quixote, June 11, 2006

By 

Firecracker (Urbana, Illinois) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Don Quixote (Signet Classics) (Paperback)

This certainly was one of the more entertaining books I've read. The adventures of Sancho and Don Quixote were very well written, funny, and has captured the hearts of millions throughout the centuries. Don Quixote is a madman who believes himself to be a knight-errant destined to return the world to the prior "order". Immediately he gets dressed up in a very silly fashion and starts by attacking "giants", only they are windmills. The first part involves Don and his squire Sancho Panza in a series of silly conflicts that they get into, at the same time doing many great things. The first part was much better than the second part in my opinion as Quixote lost some of his humour and became somewhat more "normal" Sancho was a great clown and the book truly deserves to be named 'Don Quixote and Sancho Panza" Also, Quixote's folly was a little bit irritating for me at times. Especially when he kept mentioning stupid such as his "Lady Dulcinea el Toboso," who is truly a whore, and talking about enchantments which were simply the consequences of the stupid things that Don Quixote and his squire did upon themselves.

Of course, this book was more than simply a satire attacking the ancient tradition of knight-errants. Quixote said many things which made sense at the time, through what he said, we can see a glimpse of the life in the early 1600's and a little bit of Cervante's own experiences as a soldier. Many times did Don Quixote mention his badge, in which Cervantes truly valued for fighting the English armanda.

In conclusion, if you want to read about two clowns perform that were being put down on the pages of a 528 page book that is funny and very well-written, this would be a great book for you.

3 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Don Quixote "spanish wildman", March 10, 2004

By 

Justin Baas (Newburgh, Indiana United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Don Quixote (Signet Classics) (Paperback)

Don Quixote (abridged) is a great piece of Spanish literature. It is chok full of comical escapades and satire. It is not a book that will not leave you holding on, trying to survive through the boring parts. It starts out, with a hook, and draws you deeper and deeper into the undefined plot. I defiantly enjoyed it, and laughed at the many stupid predicaments the knight fell into. It is a definite must read in my book!

3 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Easy to read, humorous, tends to drag, July 3, 2005

By 

Victoria Holt "meggin" (NJ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Don Quixote (Signet Classics) (Paperback)

I read this book for a summer reading assignment for an English II Honors Course. Initially, I dreaded to start reading the 527 pages of "nothingness". However, I found that it was easy to understand (this was strange...a classic???) and I actually understood the humor. However, the chapters began to drag and I found myself becoming irritated with the insanity of Don Quixote. This is a good summer read to pass the hot lazy days with.
*I suggest you have a really fun book to read as soon as you finish the 527th page of Don Quixote*