Skip to main content
The Stuart and Mimi Rose Collection /

Miguel de Cervantes

Item 14B

Don Quixote

1605 & 1615
First Edition & Second Edition

Cervantes created a story with an amusing and appealing main character and a humble and wise sidekick on a meandering journey. These remain popular storytelling elements today, as does Don Quixote. It began as a simple satire of the chivalric romances of the time but broadened into a more sweeping satire of Spanish society. Don Quixote won instant, and then enduring, fame. This is the second edition of part 1, with the first edition of part 2.

An aged, open book titled
A photo of an old, worn book with a plain, yellowish-brown cover. The cover shows signs of aging, with visible stains and a slightly wrinkled texture. The spine is simple, devoid of any text or markings. The book gives a vintage and antique appearance.
The image shows an old, open book titled
The image shows an old, yellowed page from a Spanish book titled

What will you discover next?

The Works of Confucius
A rectangular piece of antique embroidery features a long-necked bird with colorful wings and intricate plumage. The bird is leaning down toward a large pink flower, surrounded by green and brown foliage, all set on a beige background with a brown, textured border.

The kind of story Cervantes was poking fun at?

Go To Item 15C

John Speed Atlas of Great Britain
An open antique book displaying a detailed, colored map of Northampton Shire, England. The map includes two smaller town maps in the upper corners, a compass rose, and intricate calligraphy. Decorative elements like coats of arms and ornate borders surround the map on both pages.

Find your way around Europe on your own wander?

Go To Item 14D

Return to Rose Collection
A vibrant, symmetrical collage features historical black-and-white photographs of three individuals encircled with colorful floral patterns. The background is filled with intricate designs of butterflies and geometric shapes in shades of teal, coral, and beige.

Return to the Rose Collection

Visit the Folger to see this object on exhibit

Imprints in Time

Imprints in Time

This special exhibition at the Folger features rare books from the collection of Stuart and Mimi Rose that present literary, cultural, and historical high points.
Through Sun, Jan 5, 2025
Plan your visit
Rose Exhibition Hall