The LOC.GOV Wise Guide : He Wrote the Book on Tilting at Windmills

Miguel de Cervantes published "Don Quixote," his epic work on literature's greatest idealist, in 1605. The book, which has been translated into more languages than any other save the Bible, was the subject of "A Dialogue on the 400th Anniversary of 'Don Quixote,'" one of the Hispanic Division's Scholarly Seminars, held twice a year. The event was sponsored by the Embassy of Spain Cultural Office, the Kluge Center of the Library of Congress and George Washington University.

Illustration of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, 1547-1616

George Balanchine as he appeared as the lead in a production of "Don Quixote," 1965

During this Nov. 17, 2005, event, scholars Ines Azar and Ricardo Padron focused on the permanence and remarkable relevance of this work in the Americas. The book's influence can be seen in the expression "tilting at windmills" and the word "quixotic," which are synonymous with idealism and impracticality. "The Man of La Mancha," a hit theatrical musical and film, is based on the "Quixote."

If you were unable to attend this fascinating dialogue between these experts on Spanish literature, you can still see and hear them through the Webcasts page, which offers hundreds of events that the Library hosts each year. In addition to the "Don Quixote" event, there is, for example, a lecture by Betty Friedan, who died Feb. 4, 2006. You can search for topics that interest you in "Biography and History"; "Culture and Performing Arts"; "Education"; "Government, World Affairs"; "Poetry and Literature"; "Religion"; and "Science and Technology."

A. Illustration of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, 1547-1616. Rare Book and Special Collections Division. Reproduction information: Reproduction No.: LC-USZ62-70970 (b&w film copy neg.); Call No.: Illus. in PQ6323.A1 1738 [Rare Book RR].

B. George Balanchine as he appeared as the lead in a production of "Don Quixote," 1965. Prints and Photographs Division. Reproduction information: Reproduction No.: LC-USZ62-129048 (b&w film copy neg.); Call No.: NYWTS - BIOG--Balanchine, George--Dancer [item] [P&P]