Published in 1737, this book is often called the first serious biography of Miguel de Cervantes. Gregorio Mayans y Siscar, a respected scholar of his time, wasn't satisfied with the tall tales and vague stories circulating about the author of Don Quixote. He decided to find the facts.

The Story

Mayans acts like a historian on a mission. He starts by admitting how little reliable information exists. Then, he goes hunting. He pieces together Cervantes's life from what documents he could find: his family background, his brave service and injury at the Battle of Lepanto, his five years as a captive in Algiers, his struggles to make a living back in Spain, and his eventual, world-changing success with Don Quixote. The "plot" is the journey of discovery itself—watching a true story emerge from the fog of time.

Why You Should Read It

What makes this special is its perspective. You're not reading a modern biography. You're reading how an 18th-century intellectual saw a 17th-century genius. You feel Mayans's frustration and his triumphs as he connects the dots. It makes Cervantes feel more real and less like a statue. You see the hardship, the bad luck, and the sheer stubbornness that led to his late-career triumph. It’s a powerful reminder that great art often comes from a messy, complicated life.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves Don Quixote and wants to know the man who dreamed him up. It’s also a treat for readers interested in the history of ideas and how literary legends are built. The style is formal (it is from the 1700s, after all), but the passion behind it is clear. Think of it as the origin story for how we understand Cervantes today.