On Sunday November 26, Ruud Hisgen, anglicist, literary scholar and writer, will conclude our Great Books series with a lecture on the Spanish classic ‘El ingenioso hidalgo don Quijote de la Mancha’ (The ingenious nobleman Don Quixote of La Mancha). This famous novel by Miguel de Cervantes Saavreda (1547-1616) first published in 1605, is regarded as the first ‘modern’ psychological novel and is available all over the world in many languages and editions. The voluminous work is on display in many a bookcase. Yet this funny and moving novel is rarely read and that is a pity. Cervantes was not only a contemporary of William Shakespeare, who also died in 1616, but also a kindred spirit. Both writers have had a not-to-be-overestimated influence on many generations of authors from Laurence Sterne to Salman Rushdie. Hisgen will discuss the special historical, biographical and literary background and demonstrate that this novel should not be left unread. So don’t miss this closing event of our Great Books series!!
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