Celebrating Cervantes

The Westport Public Library today launched the first of four lectures to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the publication of “Don Quixote.” The series explores the influence of Cervantes’ major work and the sensibilities of the Spanish people in that era. Prof. Angeles N. Dam, a native of Spain with a Ph.D in literature from the Universidad de Granada, spoke to about 100 people in the McManus Room about Cervantes’ desires, aspirations and deep appreciation for the Spanish culture that inspired the book. Another Cervantes lecture, “Don Quixote in Ballet” by Felice Lesser, will be held Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., also in the McManus Room. Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com