Volume two of Don Quixote is by far the funniest part of Spain’s two-volume national literary treasure.

In volume two, we encounter the further adventures of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, but without the long, rambling diversions contained in the earlier volume. Each chapter in part two is focused solely on the meandering travels of the famous pair as they make their way through one ridiculous situation after another.

Don Quixote himself represents the faded glory of Spain’s medieval past in all its grandeur...and its superstitious nonsense. Sancho Panza, on the other hand, represents the common sense of the Spanish peasant, whose view of reality may be hilariously comical in its ignorance yet reflects the stern conditions of practical life. The average peasant has little use for the legends of medieval knights. The tension between Don Quixote and Sancho Panza sustains the comedy and provides the basis for the highly sophisticated philosophical discussions between the two, and between them and the other characters who wander in and out of the tales.

Don Quixote of La Mancha is a masterpiece worthy of serious contemplation and of being eagerly and repeatedly enjoyed.