Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra (1547-1616) is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the Spanish language. His best-known novel, The Ingenious Gentleman Sir Quixote of La Mancha (or Don Quixote), is considered the first modern novel and a classic of Western literature. The two-part novel tells the adventures of nobleman Alonso Quixote, who loses his sanity after reading too many knightly romances and attempts to revive a sense of chivalry in his country. Unfortunately, many of Cervantes' original manuscripts are now lost. We are honoured to be able to share this handwriting sample from a letter he wrote the king requesting permission to publish his great work.