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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Today Is W. E. B. Du Bois's Birthday! Get 25% Off 'The Souls of Black Folk'

Today is W. E. B. Du Bois's birthday! He would have been 149 years old. Restless is celebrating the life of this pioneering civil-rights activist and sociologist by offering a special 25% discount on the Restless Classics edition of his magnum opus, The Souls of Black Folk, which Atlantic staff writer and introducer Vann R. Newkirk II calls "perhaps the most influential work about race in America." Included in the edition are beautiful original illustrations by printmaker Steve Prince, who in his images tells "the potent story of African-Americans rising from the depths of slavery and making a way out of no way." Enter "DUBOISDAY" at checkout when you buy the book from Restless to get 25% off.