Chasing Windmills

Cervantes Video

Cervantes Video

Video by Joe O'Neill

Across campus, Dickinson celebrates 'Don Quixote' on the 400th anniversary of its publication

One of the greatest books ever written, and often cited as the first modern novel, Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote has been as influential across generations as it is entertaining.

“This book is a very good reminder of why we read, why we watch movies, why we need fiction and imagination,” says Antonio Rivas, visiting assistant professor of Spanish & Portuguese. “It shows the power of literature, imagination—but also language.”

The second volume of the work was published 400 years ago, soon before the author’s April 23, 1616, death, and Dickinson’s annual Día del Libro will celebrate its anniversary this week. So drop in on any or all of the anniversary events and spend some time with the literary world’s favorite knight errant.

April 22

3:30 - 5 p.m., Stern Center Great Room

Opening remarks will be followed by two one-act plays written by Cervantes. Light refreshments will be served in Stern 102 afterward.

5 - 6 p.m., Stern 102

Cervantes scholars will moderate a roundtable discussion of the great novel, primarily in Spanish (sponsored by the Department of Spanish & Portuguese).

7 - 9:30 p.m., Bosler 208

Come to the screening of the popular 1957 adaption of the book, the first to appear in color and in a widescreen format, directed by Grigori Kozintsev.

April 23

The continuous reading of Don Quixote kicks off with opening remarks by President Nancy Roseman in the Bosler Atrium. The readings will proceed as follows:

  • Bosler Atrium: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  • Waidner-Spahr Library, Stafford Reading Room: 3 - 5 p.m.
  • HUB Social Hall: 5 - 8 p.m.

The Social Hall leg of the lineup includes the celebration’s closing readings and a dinner reception, featuring entertainment provided by three student a cappella groups.

Learn more

Published April 21, 2015