Cervantes and Don Quixote: Ancient and illustrated editions

Which translation to choose?

The title is often enough to identify the translation. Histoire de l'admirable Don Quichotte de la Manche is the title of Filleau de Saint-Martin’s translation, published at the end of the 17th century and reprinted for more than a century and a half. L'Ingénieux Hidalgo Don Quichotte de la Manche generally refers to Louis Viardot’s translation (1836-1837), more faithful, which became the standard in the 19th century. Florian also produced an abridged version, published after his death.

For reading, Viardot remains the best choice. Filleau de Saint-Martin has the charm of its era: it is the Don Quixote that French readers of the Enlightenment enjoyed.

Illustrated editions

Don Quixote is one of the most illustrated books in literature. Viardot’s translation appears with several hundred vignettes by Tony Johannot, and Gustave Doré’s edition, published by Hachette in 1863, is a grand in-folio. Popular editions from the end of the century, such as the one illustrated by Bertall, offer an affordable entry point.

The rest of Cervantes’s work deserves attention: Persiles and Sigismunda, the author’s final novel, published posthumously in 1617, was translated into French as early as the 17th century and reprinted in the 18th.

Condition and price

A multi-volume edition must be complete: check the volume numbering on the spines and the number of plates announced. A solid contemporary binding, limited foxing, and well-printed engravings are key to value. In November 2026, our Cervantes editions ranged from about 25 euros for a small pamphlet to 440 euros for an 1821 edition.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the best old translation of Don Quixote?

Louis Viardot’s (1836-1837) for accuracy, Filleau de Saint-Martin’s, reprinted throughout the 18th century, for period flavour. Florian’s version is abridged.

Is the Don Quixote illustrated by Gustave Doré rare?

The 1863 Hachette edition, in two in-folio volumes, was reprinted several times. Check the date on the title page and count the plates to determine which impression you have.

Do you buy old editions of Cervantes?

Yes. The bookseller appraises them free of charge based on photos: send the title page, spine, boards, and a view of the engravings.

To go further

• William Shakespeare, who died the same year as Cervantes, in 1616.
• Curmer, Hetzel, Magnin: the golden age of Romantic illustrated books.
• Antiquarian prints and engravings.
• The Literature and first editions section.
• Selling and valuing your antiquarian books.