Cervantes, Miguel de (1547-1616)
El Ingenioso Hidalgo Don Quixote de la Mancha.

I: Brussels: Por Roger Velpius, 1607; II: Brussels: Huberto Antonio, 1616.

The first Brussels edition of the novel, the seventh overall, two octavo volumes, title page of first volume mounted, signature of Timothy Pitkin in each; bound in full uniform modern brown calf, period style, with two labels on each spine, restrained and recently done by Jenny Hille; ex libris Christ College, Oxford University with engraved armorial bookplates, handwritten shelfmarks crossed out and "Duplic" in ink; each volume: 6 1/2 x 4 in. (2)

Don Quixote is to Spanish literature what Shakespeare is to English. Ruiz notes that this edition was the most finely printed of the early versions to date. Famous for its "variety, liveliness, and gibes at the famous, [Don Quixote is] one of those universal works which are read by all ages at all times." (PMM). Almost instantly published in numerous editions, in translation, and of course pirated, it attained bestseller status across Europe. Velpius's edition, which brought the story to Northern Europe, is based on Cuedra's second, with many misprints and other textual inaccuracies corrected.

Palau 51981; Ruiz 7; cf. PMM 111.

From the Ken Rapoport Collection.