Don Quixote

Translated by Edith Grossman

By: Edith Grossman - translator, Miguel de Cervantes

Narrated by: George Guidall

Length: 39 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

Don Quixote is the classic story. Called the first modern novel, this marvelous book has stood the test of time to become irrevocably intertwined with the fabric of society. Sixteenth-century Spanish gentleman Don Quixote, fed by his own delusional fantasies, takes to the road in search of chivalrous adventures. But his quest leads to more trouble than triumph. At once humorous, romantic, and sad, Don Quixote is a literary landmark. This fresh edition, by award-winning translator Edith Grossman, brings the tale to life as never before.

©2003 Edith Grossman (translation) (P)2003 Recorded Books

A rare novel that is better listened to than read

What a delight to have finally experienced this magnificent novel! I had always meant to read Don Quixote--but, honestly, listening to it, narrated so skillfully, was even more of a delight than simply reading it would have been. The translator and the narrator conspired to make all the arcane bits utterly accessible and delightful. I laughed out loud several times. It's unbelievable how modern a novel Cervantes wrote some 400 years ago! He was a genius. Don Quixote and Sancho Panza will live in my heart forever.

This Work Has Endured 500 Years

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

It's a wonderful story and an interesting look at the times of humans 500 years ago, as if being told by someone you just met.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Don Quixote?

When Don Quixote charged the flock of sheep as an invading army.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Dulcina leaped over her mule's bum to land in it's saddle with one jump.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I wondered why it took me so long to finally read it ... except that now with Audible, I don't have any more reason to delay.

Any additional comments?

The narrator was wonderful and I think the Translation was not only spot on, but brought into the 21st Century with great relevance and poignancy. I think the Translator was particularly talented. Oh, and I really loved the narrator's voice of Pancho Sancha.

Bucket list item, check

I began reading this as a bucket list item out of a sense of literary obligation but finished enriched and entertained.

Absurd, Astonishing, and Divine!

Let the devil take me away if Don Quixote, the right hand of justice, defender of the defenseless, and, well, certified madman, is not the most stupendous and chivalric of knight errantry, both of present and of past, wholly deserving of this most true and to-the-letter historical accounting. For I should know, as I am his most loyal follower, Sancho Panza! And if not for the dastardly tricks and illusions of omnipresent enchanters, obscuring the genuineness of my master's great deeds, the knight of the lion would have been, most assuredly, exalted to the ranks of the knights of King Arthur's Round Table itself! But woe is me. The common man, low-born rabble that he is, has grown weary with the passage of time, disbelieving the substantial quality and correctness of this most true and illustrious of histories, at the detriment of the legendary knight that it professes. Well, friend, take it from me, humble servant and squire, Sancho Panza, that it is up to you, the prospective reader, to discern the truth for yourself of this most heroic of tales, which depicts my master's chivaleric deeds as knight errant and the countless adventures that we faced. But beware, unwitting reader, of the previously mentioned enchanters, as things may not always be as they appear!

Don Quixote's humble squire,
Sancho Panza

A Joy.

The translation is great and the performance is inspired. Listen and understand this great book.

Hard time reading this one. Easy with Audible

Wonderful performance brought the epic writing to life. A must! experience for all types of story lover's.

the best performance of an audio book I have heard

..I wish I could add stars to the narrator's performance. There's a reason why this novel is so highly regarded.

Very Pleasant Listening

The narrator made the whole book a gem of a listen. He was fantastic. In fact, I decided to buy another book just because he is the narrator! I highly recommend.

I finally finished it

I finally finished it... I've started the physical copy many times... This was much better!! I enjoyed every second listening to it and will listen to it again.

An earned reputation, magnificently presented

George Guidall's reading is astounding. Forty hours have never been better spent. If, like me, it's been a while since you read "El Quijote" (in any version or language) - in my case since school days - you may find this something quite other than you remember. It is the funniest, deepest, and most relevant work in any form I can recollect reading, hearing, or watching. The particular version here - Grossman's translation and Guidall's reading are exquisite.