Cervantes Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes changed the face of fiction with his early 17th century masterpiece, Don Quixote (part I, 1605; part II, 1615). In the book, a distinguished country gentleman becomes a knight after reading too many chivalric novels. Intended as a spoof on the romantic literature of the time, Don Quixote exposed and satirized Spanish society, medieval romance, and the pastoral novel. Don Quixote reveals the essential humanity of its complex, crazed characters and has influenced many subsequent works. Archivo Fotografico Oronoz Statues of Don Quixote (left) and Sancho Panza (right