CERVANTES SAAVEDRA, Miguel de (1547-1616). El Ingenioso Hidalgo Don Quixote de la Mancha. Brussels: Roger Velpius, 1607.

CERVANTES SAAVEDRA, Miguel de (1547-1616). El Ingenioso Hidalgo Don Quixote de la Mancha. Brussels: Roger Velpius, 1607.

The first Brussels edition of the novel “which is to Spanish literature what Shakespeare is to English” (Bloom). Ruiz notes that this edition was the most finely printed of the early versions to date. Don Quixote won immediate fame when first printed in 1605 for its “variety, liveliness, and gibes at the famous.” Its subdued pathos and universal humanity have assured it a place as “one of those universal works which are read by all ages at all times” (PMM). It quickly went through numerous editions, translations, and piracies. This edition is the seventh overall—all early editions are rare. Velpius’s edition, which introduced the text to Northern Europe, is based on Cuedra’s second (with many misprints and other textual infelicities corrected). RBH and ABPC record only 3 other copies at auction in the last 30 years. Palau 51981; Ruiz 7; USTC 5039050; cf. PMM 111; Bloom, Miguel de Cervantes's Don Quixote, p. 1.

Octavo (168 x 104mm). Woodcut initials and ornaments (browning; small repair to I5 with affected text replaced in pen; repairs to corner of Ee4 and inner margin of Oo8). Early 20th-century vellum, edges gilt. Provenance: Quaritch (pencil note) – Maggs (receipt dated 1939 to:) – Carlos Alberto Pueyrredon (1887-1963, Argentine politician and historian).

Pre-Lot Text
PROPERTY OF A PRIVATE COLLECTOR IN ARGENTINA