Quixotism: The Imaginative Denial of Spain's Loss of Empire

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The book delves into how Spanish intellectuals during the Restoration period utilized Don Quixote to address national and imperial decline, framing Spain's military defeat as a moral victory. Known as the Generation of '98, these writers reimagined Quixote in various roles: as a spiritual conquistador, a tragic messiah, a smiling priest, and a paternalistic master. Arredondo introduces "Quixotism" as a critical concept that holds significance not only for historical contexts but also for contemporary Spain, linking past ideals to modern political and cultural discussions.