Volume 45, Number 10 · June 11, 1998
The Imitation of Our Lord Don Quixote
By Simon Leys
In debates, the word 'quixotic' is nearly always meant as an insult—which puzzles me, since I can hardly think of a greater compliment. The way most people refer to Don Quixote makes you wonder if they have actually read the book. In fact, it would be interesting to find out whether Don Quixote is still as widely read as the universal popularity of the character would normally suggest.[1] But it could be awkward to conduct such an enquiry; especially among educated people, one often encounters a strange misconception that there are a certain number of books one should have read, and it would be shameful to acknowledge that one has failed in this sort of cultural obligation. Personally, I disagree with such an attitude; I confess I read only for pleasure.
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