Ilan Stavans asks "Why Should You Read 'Don Quixote'?"

In a recent Ted-Ed video, Ilan Stavans, Restless Books Publisher and noted Cervantes’ scholar, delves into the nature of character development and the continuing cultural importance of Cervantes’ masterpiece. Accompanied by endearing illustrations and animation, ‘Why Should You Read Don Quixote?’ explores the compelling personal growth of Don Quixote through his clumsy yet valiant antics with his steadfast companion Sancho Panza and the enduring popularity and relevance of what is widely considered to be the best-selling novel of all time. Ilan asks the perennial question: What makes this book so beloved? In exploring major themes and the relationship between Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, Stavans investigates underlying philosophical complexities in this tale of adventure, humor, love and friendship. Indeed, Cervantes’ work is not only considered by many to be the first modern novel, but it is also a “treatise on the power of creativity and individualism that has inspired art, literature, popular culture and even political revolution” that continues to resonate with readers on a global scale.

TED-Ed, an extension of TED, carefully curates educational videos with animations, many of which represent collaborations between talented educators and animators nominated through the TED-Ed website. TED-Ed, not unlike TED, is committed to creating lessons worth sharing and spreading great ideas. Watch the TED-Ed video to learn more about Don Quixote and check out the Restless Classics edition of Don Quixote with beautiful illustrations by Eko and an introduction by Ilan Stavans.

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Reading is Resistance Merch has Landed!

Dear readers,

It has been two months since the end of our Indiegogo Campaign, and our backers' support and generosity have been a crucial source of motivation for us as we’ve embarked upon a season of firsts. We published Beyond the Rice Fields, the first novel by Naivo, which unbelievably is the first novel from Madagascar to be published in English. We’re also thrilled to have published Mexican laureate Juan Villoro’s first book for kids, The Wild Book, as the inaugural title for Yonder, our new imprint of international books for young readers. We’re proud to be working with tremendously talented translators such as Allison M. Charette and Lawrence Schimel, who beautifully rendered these two books into English.  

Now that Restless is a nonprofit, we rely on donor support like this to continue publishing diverse and boundary-pushing books from around the world. Some of our Indiegogo backers will be getting some wicked “Reading is Resistance” merch: t-shirts, totes, and stickers with the fearsome logos designed by Mexican Artist Eko. Even if you missed donating to the campaign, you can still support us with the purchase of a tote bag sporting your choice of two stunning illustrations by the artist Eko: a book with fangs, or a book with flames. Either choice is perfect for carrying your favorite Restless titles!

Get the Tote Bag