Cervantes's Don Quixote in his library, 1863 French edition. Don Quixote reading books on chivalry in his library before setting out on his quest. 'Don Quixote' is a work published in two parts (1605 and 1615) by Spanish novelist Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616). It tells the story of a Spanish nobleman and would-be knight Alonso Quijano (who calls himself Don Quixote) and the farmer Sancho who travels with him as his squire. Artwork, by French artist Gustave Dore (1832-1883; engraved by Heliodore Joseph Pisan (1822-1890).