Don Quixote (or The History of Don Quixote) by Miguel de Cervantes, particularly the popular ~1880 English editions.
These late-19th-century printings (often undated but circa 1870–1880s) are highly sought-after by collectors, especially those featuring the iconic illustrations by Gustave Doré.
Key Details on the 1880 Editions
- Text: Many use the Charles Jarvis translation (with some corrections from Motteaux or others), edited by J. W. Clark for publishers like Cassell & Company.
- Illustrations: Lavishly illustrated with numerous wood engravings by Gustave Doré (famous for his dramatic, detailed style). These editions often include full-page plates and vignettes that capture both the comic and epic elements of the story.
- Format: Typically large quarto volumes (around 12″ x 9″), often in decorative cloth bindings with gilt edges. Some combined both parts of the novel into one impressive book of ~700+ pages.
- Significance: These represent a peak in Victorian-era illustrated book production. Doré’s engravings helped popularize Don Quixote visually and are still widely reproduced today (e.g., in Project Gutenberg editions).
Original first editions of Cervantes’ work date to 1605 (Part 1) and 1615 (Part 2) in Spanish. The 1880 versions are notable English reprints from the height of the illustrated book boom.
About the Book
Don Quixote follows Alonso Quijano, a gentleman obsessed with chivalric romances who renames himself Don Quixote and sets out on delusional adventures with his squire Sancho Panza. It’s a foundational work of Western literature—satirical, humorous, philosophical, and deeply human. Cervantes blends adventure, social commentary, and metafiction in ways that feel remarkably modern.
Where to Find It
- Digital/Free: Project Gutenberg has editions with the Doré illustrations attached.
- Antiquarian: Copies frequently appear on sites like AbeBooks, eBay, Etsy, or specialist sellers (often priced from hundreds to over a thousand USD depending on condition).
- Modern reprints: Facsimiles or illustrated versions based on the Doré plates are common.
