Don Quixote. The name is universally known for the idealistic, possibly insane, wannabe knight as much as a masterpiece of literature. Don Quixote , the book, is widely regarded as the first modern novel while Don Quixote, the character, is among the most recognizable and beloved ever created. The author, Miguel de Cervantes, once said of Don Quixote that he was created 'that children may handle him, youths may read him, men may understand him and...