"Don Quixote" is a novel written by Miguel de Cervantes in 1605. The story follows the adventures of a middle-aged gentleman named Alonso Quixano, who becomes so enamored with the chivalric romances of his time that he decides to become a knight-errant himself. He adopts the name Don Quixote and sets off on a series of misadventures with his loyal squire, Sancho Panza.
As Don Quixote rides through the Spanish countryside, he battles windmills, takes on imaginary giants, and falls in love with a variety of women, all in the name of chivalry and honor. Along the way, he meets a variety of characters, from noble knights and ladies to shepherds and peasants.
The novel is a complex and layered work of fiction, blending humor, satire, and social commentary. Cervantes uses Don Quixote's adventures to poke fun at the romanticized ideals of chivalry and to critique the social norms and values of sixteenth-century Spain.
"Don Quixote" is widely regarded as one of the greatest works of fiction ever written and is considered the first modern novel. It has been translated into numerous languages and has inspired countless adaptations and spin-offs in literature, film, and other forms of media. The novel remains a timeless masterpiece of literature, exploring themes of idealism, reality, and the nature of humanity itself.