Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra was an Early Modern Spanish writer who is largely recognized as the finest writer in the Spanish language and one of the world's best novels. He is well known for his novel Don Quixote, which is often regarded as both the first modern novel and the "first great novel of world literature." A 2002 poll of 100 well-known authors rated it the "most meaningful book of all time" and one of the "best and most central works in world literature". Much of his life was spent in hardship and obscurity, therefore many of his early works have been lost. Despite this, the fact that Spanish is commonly referred to as "the language of Cervantes" reflects his influence and literary contribution. Cervantes was compelled to leave Spain in 1569 and relocate to Rome, where he served in the cardinal's household. In 1570, he enrolled in a Spanish Navy infantry regiment and was severely wounded at the Battle of Lepanto in October 1571, losing use of his left arm and hand. He was a soldier until 1575, when he was taken by Barbary pirates; after five years in captivity, he was ransomed and restored to Madrid.
