Miguel de Cervantes y Saavedra.

Name: Don Quijote De La Mancha
Author: Miguel de Cervantes y Saavedra

Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra

Miguel de Cervantes y Saavedra — Businessperson

Born 29 Sep 1547 Alcalá de Henares, Spain

Died 22 Apr 1616 Madrid, Spain

Citizenship Spain

11 min read

Reading time

2,020

Words

Mar 29, 2026

Published

141

Books

TL;DR

Miguel de Cervantes published Don Quixote in 1605, a satire of chivalric novels considered the first modern novel. He lost his left hand at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571 and was held captive by Barbary pirates for five years. Don Quixote was immensely successful, but Cervantes struggled financially and his marriage was unhappy. He believed his best work was The Travails of Persiles and Segismunda.

Identity & family.

KIN · 4

Names, aliases, and relatives of Miguel de Cervantes y Saavedra — birth name, kin, and personal ties.

Native Name Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra

Aliases Don Miguel Cervantes, Cervantes, Miguel De Cervantes, Don Miguel de Cervantes y Saavedra, D. Miguel de Cervantes, Miguel de Cervantes

PARENTS: Leonor de Cortinas Rodrigo de Cervantes
SPOUSES: Catalina de Salazar y Palacios
CHILDREN: Isabel de Saavedra

At a glance.

STATS

Miguel de Cervantes y Saavedra by the numbers — life, work, and family.

68 Years lived

141 Books

1 Marriage

1 Child

Who was Miguel de Cervantes y Saavedra?

BIOGRAPHY

Miguel de Cervantes y Saavedra — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

Miguel de Cervantes was baptized on October 9, 1547 in Alcalá de Henares, Spain. His father, Rodrigo de Cervantes, was an itinerant surgeon, and his family moved frequently. He was educated by monks. In 1570 he traveled to Rome as secretary to Cardinal Aquaviva, and by 1571 he had enlisted as a soldier, fighting at the Battle of Lepanto where he sustained injuries that left his left hand disabled.

Career

Cervantes began writing after returning from captivity in 1580, but his early plays and poetry were unsuccessful. He published the first part of Don Quixote in 1605, a satire of chivalric romances that is considered a founding work of the modern novel. After a plagiarized sequel appeared, he published the second part in 1615. Other works include Exemplary Stories 1613 and Eight Interludes 1615.

Personal life

Cervantes married Catalina de Salazar y Palacios in 1584, a union that was reportedly unhappy and childless. He had a daughter, Isabel de Saavedra, born in 1584 to his mistress, actress Ana Franca de Rojas. Financial difficulties plagued him throughout his life, leading to several prison terms and an excommunication by the Spanish Inquisition, though he was never convicted of a crime.

Legacy

Don Quixote is regarded as the first modern novel and has been translated into many languages, with English versions appearing from the 1600s. The character Cardenio inspired a lost play by William Shakespeare titled The History of Cardenio. Cervantes died without knowing his novel would be called the world’s greatest by many critics.

Bibliography.

BOOKS · 141

Miguel de Cervantes y Saavedra's bibliography — every authored, edited, and co-written book, ranked by edition count.

Amazon

Don Quijote De La Mancha

by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
Amazon

Novelas Ejemplares

by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
Amazon

Entremeses

by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
Amazon

La Galatea

by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra et al.
Amazon

Los Trabajos De Persiles Y Sigismunda

by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
Amazon

La Gitanilla

by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
Amazon

Numancia

by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
Amazon

Prentice Hall Literature [Grade Ten]

by Kevin Feldman et al.
Amazon

Stories of Don Quixote

by James Baldwin et al.
Amazon

Don Kisot

by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
Amazon

La Ilustre Fregona

by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
Amazon

El Licenciado Vidriera

by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
Amazon

Pedro De Urdemalas

by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
Amazon

Don Quixote

by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra

Could not load more books.

Notable quotes.

QUOTES · 1

A wall of memorable lines from Miguel de Cervantes y Saavedra — lyrics, interviews, and off-the-cuff remarks captured over a lifetime.

Time Ripens All Things; No Man Is Born Wise.

Did you know?

FACTS · 16

Little-known facts about Miguel de Cervantes y Saavedra — origins, oddities, and behind-the-scenes details from a public life.

Cervantes lived at the same time as William Shakespeare, though Spain and England were bitter enemies during his life.
His exact birth date is unknown, but it is generally assumed to be September 30, 1547.
A donkey named Don Quixote appeared on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, based on Cervantes’ creation.
Cervantes was descended from the very knights-errant whose adventures he spoofs in Don Quixote.
The character Cardenio from Don Quixote inspired a lost play by William Shakespeare titled The History of Cardenio.
A revision of Don Quixote shortly after its first publication added a scene where Sancho Panza’s donkey is stolen, forcing rewrites of subsequent chapters.
Cervantes lost the use of his left hand at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571.
He lived in poverty on a farm at one point.
The expression I’ve got bigger fish to fry first appeared in Don Quixote.
The full title of Don Quixote is El ingenioso hidalgo Don Quijote de la Mancha.
His only child, Isabel de Saavedra, was born in 1584 to his mistress, actress Ana Franca de Rojas; his marriage was childless.
His Eight Interludes were written in colloquial prose and were initially considered unworthy but later highly regarded by critics.
English translations of Don Quixote have been published frequently: one in the 1600s, three in the 1700s, several in the 1800s, and multiple since 1993.
At least eight of his plays have survived, contrary to the belief that only two remain.
His last work, The Travails of Persiles and Segismunda, was published posthumously in 1617, but it has rarely been translated into English.
Some of his Exemplary Stories have been filmed, including La Gitanilla which was adapted three times.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 40

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about Miguel de Cervantes y Saavedra.

When was Miguel de Cervantes born?

Miguel de Cervantes is believed to have been born on September 29, 1547. His baptism was recorded on October 9, 1547 in Alcalá de Henares, Spain, which is his recognized birthplace.
Where was Miguel de Cervantes born?

Miguel de Cervantes was born in Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain. The city has long claimed itself as his birthplace, though his exact birth date is unknown.
When did Miguel de Cervantes die?

Miguel de Cervantes died on April 22, 1616 according to some records, or April 23, 1616 according to others. He died in Madrid, Spain from dropsy.
How old was Miguel de Cervantes when he died?

Miguel de Cervantes was 68 years old when he died in 1616. He had lived through many adventures, including the Battle of Lepanto and years of captivity.
Where did Miguel de Cervantes die?

Miguel de Cervantes died in Madrid, Spain. His gravesite has been lost, adding an ironic twist to his death.
What caused Miguel de Cervantes' death?

Miguel de Cervantes died of dropsy, which is now known as edema. He passed away in Madrid on April 22 or 23, 1616.
What was Miguel de Cervantes' native name?

Miguel de Cervantes’ native name in Spanish is Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra. He was known by several aliases including Don Miguel Cervantes and Cervantes.
What did Miguel de Cervantes do for a living?

Miguel de Cervantes was a writer. He is most famous for his novel Don Quixote, but he also wrote plays, poetry, and short stories.
What nationality was Miguel de Cervantes?

Miguel de Cervantes was Spanish. He was born in Spain and lived most of his life there, though he also spent time in Italy and was held captive in North Africa.
What language did Miguel de Cervantes speak?

Miguel de Cervantes spoke Spanish as his native language. He wrote all his works in Spanish, which helped establish it as a literary language.
Who were Miguel de Cervantes' parents?

Miguel de Cervantes’ parents were Rodrigo de Cervantes, an itinerant surgeon, and Leonor de Cortinas. His father’s profession led the family to move frequently.
Who was Miguel de Cervantes married to?

Miguel de Cervantes was married to Catalina de Salazar y Palacios from December 12, 1584 until his death in 1616. Their marriage was reportedly unhappy and childless.
Did Miguel de Cervantes have children?

Miguel de Cervantes had one child, a daughter named Isabel de Saavedra, born in 1584 to his mistress, actress Ana Franca de Rojas. His marriage produced no children.
Where did Miguel de Cervantes go to school?

Miguel de Cervantes studied at the Estudio de la Villa and later at the University of Salamanca. His early education was provided by monks as his family moved from city to city.
What other names was Miguel de Cervantes known by?

Miguel de Cervantes was known by several aliases, including Don Miguel Cervantes, Cervantes, Miguel De Cervantes, Don Miguel de Cervantes y Saavedra, and D. Miguel de Cervantes. He used different forms of his name in various contexts.
What is Miguel de Cervantes most famous for?

Miguel de Cervantes is most famous for writing Don Quixote, first published in 1605. The novel is considered one of the greatest works of literature and a founding text of the modern novel.
Did Miguel de Cervantes fight in a war?

Yes, Miguel de Cervantes fought at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. Despite being ill with fever, he insisted on being in the most dangerous fighting position and received two chest wounds and one that disabled his left hand permanently.
Was Miguel de Cervantes ever captured by pirates?

Yes, in 1575, while returning to Spain, Cervantes and his brother Rodrigo were captured by Barbary pirates and sold into slavery. Cervantes remained a captive for five years until he was ransomed by Trinitarian friars in 1580.
How many attempts did Cervantes make to escape captivity?

Cervantes made three escape attempts during his captivity. Each failed, partly due to betrayal, but he took full responsibility to protect his fellow captives. The Turkish Bey spared him each time.
What is Don Quixote about?

Don Quixote tells the story of a nobleman who loses his mind from reading too many chivalric novels and sets out as a knight-errant with his squire Sancho Panza. It is a satire of chivalric romances that explores themes of reality and illusion.
When was Don Quixote first published?

The first part of Don Quixote was published in 1605. The second part followed in 1615, after a plagiarized sequel appeared that included insulting remarks about Cervantes.
What other works did Cervantes write?

Cervantes wrote Exemplary Stories 1613, a collection of twelve moral novelettes, and Eight Interludes 1615, one-act plays in prose. His last work, The Travails of Persiles and Segismunda, was published posthumously in 1617.
Did Cervantes ever become wealthy from his writing?

No, Cervantes did not become wealthy from Don Quixote despite its success. He struggled financially throughout his life, even serving prison terms due to debts, though he was innocent of any crimes.
Why was Cervantes excommunicated?

Cervantes was excommunicated by the Spanish Inquisition, though he never committed any crimes. It was likely due to his financial troubles or his association with controversial subjects.
Where is Cervantes buried?

Cervantes’ gravesite is lost. He died in Madrid, but the exact location of his burial is unknown, an ironic end for a writer who achieved immortality through his work.
Did Cervantes know Shakespeare?

Cervantes was a contemporary of William Shakespeare, but they never met. Spain and England were bitter enemies during their lifetimes, and the Spanish Armada was defeated when Cervantes was alive.
What is the significance of the character Cardenio?

Cardenio is a character in Don Quixote whose story of betrayal inspired a lost play by William Shakespeare called The History of Cardenio. This shows the direct literary influence of Cervantes on Shakespeare.
How many translations of Don Quixote exist in English?

English translations of Don Quixote have been published frequently. There was one in the 1600s, at least three in the 1700s, several between 1881 and 1957, and three more between 1993 and 2003.
What was Cervantes' own opinion of his works?

Cervantes valued his poetic works highly and considered The Travails of Persiles and Segismunda his finest work. He never regarded Don Quixote as his masterpiece, contrary to popular opinion.
What is the full title of Don Quixote?

The full title of Don Quixote is El ingenioso hidalgo Don Quijote de la Mancha, which translates to The Ingenious Nobleman Don Quixote of La Mancha.
Did Cervantes invent any common phrases?

Yes, Cervantes first wrote the expression I’ve got bigger fish to fry in Don Quixote. This phrase has become a common idiom in English.
What happened to Cervantes' left hand?

Cervantes lost the use of his left hand at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. He was wounded in the chest and left hand while fighting in the most dangerous position of his ship.
Were any of Cervantes' plays lost?

It was once thought that all but two of Cervantes’ plays were lost, but at least eight have survived. Some of his Eight Interludes have been performed in English in recent years.
Did any of Cervantes' stories get adapted into films?

Yes, La Gitanilla The Little Gypsy Girl, one of his Exemplary Stories, has been filmed three times. Several other stories have been presented on Spanish television.
What is the main theme of the Exemplary Stories?

The Exemplary Stories are a collection of twelve novelettes designed to teach a moral lesson. They showcase Cervantes’ skill in short fiction and have been translated into English.
How did Cervantes' family background influence his life?

Cervantes was descended from knights-errant, the very figures he satirized in Don Quixote. His father was an unsuccessful surgeon, and the family moved frequently, which shaped his early education by monks.
Did Cervantes have any siblings?

The source record does not mention siblings explicitly, but his brother Rodrigo is mentioned. They were captured together by pirates, and Rodrigo was ransomed earlier than Miguel.
Why did Cervantes write Don Quixote?

Cervantes initially intended Don Quixote as a satire of the chivalric novels popular at the time. However, the novel evolved into a multi-layered work that explores human nature and created the first modern novel.
What was the reception of Don Quixote in its time?

Don Quixote was immensely successful in its time, but it did not make Cervantes wealthy. It was widely read and led to a plagiarized sequel, which prompted Cervantes to write the second part.
Is Cervantes considered the father of the modern novel?

Yes, many critics regard Cervantes as the father of the modern novel. Don Quixote is often cited as the first modern novel due to its complex characters, metafictional elements, and social commentary.

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Published on March 29, 2026

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