Miguel de Cervantes

1547 – 1616

Today is the celebrated birthday of the Spanish poet, novelist, and playwright Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, born in Alcalá de Henares (1547). Little else is known about his early days, but at the age of 22, he joined the military, taking part in the Christian campaign against the Ottoman Empire. In 1571, he was wounded in battle, gaining praise for his…