3 Review(s)

The biography begins with Cervantes' birth in 1547 in Alcalá de Henares, Spain. Calvert details his upbringing and education, as well as the early influences that led him to pursue a career in writing. The narrative covers significant events in Cervantes’ life, including his experiences as a soldier, his capture by pirates, and his subsequent years spent as a slave in Algiers. These tumultuous experiences contributed to the depth and complexity of his literary voice, which Calvert emphasizes throughout the biography.As Cervantes returned to Spain and navigated the challenges of poverty and obscurity, Calvert delves into the literary landscape of the time, highlighting Cervantes' attempts to establish himself as a writer. The author discusses Cervantes' various works, including his plays, poetry, and prose, leading up to the publication of Don Quixote in 1605. Calvert analyzes the novel's themes, characters, and innovative narrative style, positioning it as a groundbreaking work that transcended its era.