The Writer With The Lame Left Hand

For over four centuries, dramatists, composers, poets, painters, sculptors, and luminaries in all the performing arts have created works based on Don Quixote, which continues to be the second most widely published and translated book in the world, exceeded only by the Bible. But until now there has been no drama based on the life of its author, Miguel de Cervantes.

In commemoration of the 450th anniversary of the birth of Cervantes, Norman Corwin has written and directed a play for radio based on the relatively obscure details of that immortal's life.

The role of Cervantes is played by Charles Durning, who enjoys a strong supporting cast featuring Ed Asner, Samantha Eggar, Norman Lloyd, Mala Powers, Elliot Reid, William Shantner, Charles Shaughnesy, and Janet Waldo.

An original musical score was composed by Ken Stange. Mary Beth Kirchner produced, under a grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. It was first heard over National Public Radio in January 1997.

This hour-long biography is a brilliant realization of Cervantes' exciting, frustrating, tragic and triumphant life. It was a labor of love for Corwin, and the writing, casting, performances and production values are fully up to the very highest standards.

Don Quixote has been published in more editions, and translated into more languages, than any book in the world -- except the Bible itself. Saavedra Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616) was, for most of his life, considered a failure. Thrown into prison several times; frequently in debt; captured and held prisoner by pirates; crippled at the Battle of Lepanto; he published some writings but was dismissed as a hack. <br>
Then, at age 55, Cervantes wrote the first volume of his masterpiece and enjoyed recognition at last -- but not wealth. The second part appeared ten years later, followed by his acclaimed Exemplary Tales, and he was forever established as one of the greatest literary figures of this millennium

The story of Don Quixote, and his faithful Sancho Panza, has travelled round the world. It has been read aloud, performed on stage, and even set to music -- as the basis for the hit musical Man Of La Mancha. Now the true story of its author is told in a marvellously listenable, enthralling, accessible way that everyone can enjoy.

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