Well presented, seems to be minor errors
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(As a brief note, the following does include an extremely small quote from the story - as in a single paragraph. This is merely a warning for those who like to learn the ENTIRE story from the book - as I'd hate to be the one to ruin any part of it for you!)
This book is wonderfully presented, with great pictures throughout which capture the style and essence of the story well (of course, taking into account that it is a translation). It is unfortunate then, to find several mistakes. I have reached chapter 25, so far ignoring 'minor' errors such as missing letters; but in this chapter, and this is one point which threw me (so much so that I resorted to looking up the story on the internet), is the opening paragraph: "Don Quixote took leave of the goatherd and, remounting Rocinante bade Sancho follow him, which he did on his ass, most unwillingly". This does not make sense, since Sancho's ass was taken.
Although to some this seems finicky, I thought it was necessary to mention for potential buyers; there may well be more, other than the 'minor' errors already mentioned, further on or previous to this (I remained fairly dismissive of any possible discepencies and cannot recall if any arose previously).
These errors are a shame, given the potential the book has to be a truly great version.
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Perfection
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The first thing that strikes you is the beauty and grandeur of the physical book itself. Upon opening its pages, one is then met with exquisite paper covered in marvellous type-setting and unrivalled illustrations.
I have read Don Quixote before, but this translation is by far the best. It is modern enough to readily understand yet tinged with the flavour of its age. Ideal as a gift for someone you love or for your own enjoyment.
I re-read this edition on a regular basis and I am still enamoured of it.
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A brilliant edition of a brilliant story
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I received this edition as a present and was blown away by it. The book itself is beautiful. Very heavy, illustrated throughout with gold edged pages.
The story is regarded as the first, European novel but it needn't be read as anything ponderous or literary. It is firstly a book of adventure. A story of a man who aims to bring the Golden Days of chivalry back to the modern age and who is regarded by the world as being mad for doing so. People, situations and modernity thwart Don Quixote's efforts. Quixote imagines a world of giants, armies and beautiful courtiers but that world is really one of windmills, sheep and peasants. It's a story of aspirations, hopes and dreams and a story of how they fit into the real world.
Gustave Dore's drawings of 1863 are brilliant. Don Quixote and Sancho Panza's adventures are produced in dark images that add a seriousness to the ridiculous situations they get into. The comedy isn't portrayed as being cartoon like but grounded in reality. This is a perfect counterweight to Don Quixote's mad view which would seek to elevate reality to the mythical, romantic days of chivalry. Dore captures the spirit of Cervantes writing in every line.
This is an edition that is guarenateed to amaze. You really couldn't find fault with this book. I'm still stunned by it!!
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