<p>Distinguished man of letters Ilan Stavans believes Miguel de Cervantes’ <i>Don Quixote de la Mancha</i> “invented modern consciousness.” In these lectures Stavans explores the work’s impact within Renaissance Spain and discusses Cervantes’ career as a soldier tax collector and failed playwright. Stavans also focuses on the baroque style and the way Spain has built its national identity around D on Quixote. With a wealth of insight these enlightening lectures are invaluable both for those already passionate about Cervantes’ masterpiece and for those only about to discover its wonders.</p>