The History and Adventures of the Renowned Don Quixote

This definitive edition brings Tobias Smollett's celebrated 1755 English translation of the Spanish literary classic back to readers in its most authentic form. The volume preserves the complete text as Smollett intended, accompanied by Francis Hayman's original twenty-eight engraved illustrations that brought the knight-errant's misadventures to life for eighteenth-century audiences. It also includes Smollett's own explanatory notes and his biographical "Life of Cervantes," offering crucial historical context for this foundational work of modern fiction. This restoration makes the most popular English-language version of the quixotic tale available again after generations of altered editions.

What distinguishes this publication is its scholarly commitment to textual accuracy, allowing contemporary readers to experience the novel precisely as Smollett's audience first encountered it. The inclusion of period illustrations and the translator's personal commentary creates a rich, immersive reading experience that bridges centuries of literary history. For students of translation, eighteenth-century literature, or anyone seeking to understand why this version captivated English readers for so long, this edition provides unparalleled access to a landmark in cross-cultural literary exchange.