In a moving display of love and admiration for Miguel de Cervantes’ masterpiece, Francisco Morales, an 87-year-old man from Barcelona, has accomplished an unprecedented feat: handwriting the entire book of Don Quixote on cash register paper.
This peculiar feat not only stands out for its originality, but also for the extraordinary effort and dedication it required.
Francisco’s modest apartment in the Nou Barris district of Barcelona has become home to this incredible literary feat.
In a cabinet specially designed and built by himself, Francisco proudly keeps his masterpiece: Don Quixote handwritten on a strip of cash register paper that stretches 15 kilometers long.
A true literary passion
This monumental work not only pays homage to the genius of Cervantes, but also reflects Francisco’s passion and devotion to literature.
The inspiration behind this unique project comes from Francisco’s deep admiration for the figure of Cervantes.
Since he first read the novel Don Quixote de la Mancha at the age of 13, Francisco has immersed himself in the world of this iconic literary character.
Over the years, he has read the work countless times and has dedicated a large part of his life to honoring Cervantes and his legacy.
How he wrote Don Quixote on cash register paper
The process of writing El Quijote on cash register paper was a considerable challenge for Francisco.
He started with the first volume of the novel for which he needed 180 rolls of 40 meters of paper.
Subsequently, he continued with the second part using 195 additional rolls. In total, two reels totaling more than seven kilometers in length each were used, resulting in a staggering 15 kilometers of handwritten paper.
Francisco jokes that if the strip of paper were stretched along Avenida Diagonal, from Cornellà de Llobregat to the sea, and even tied to a boat, the end would not yet have been reached.
This anecdote highlights the magnitude of his achievement and the unwavering passion he has put into the creation of this unique version of Don Quixote.
Although Francisco’s Quixote has not been officially recognized as the longest version ever written, his dedication and tireless effort deserve recognition and admiration.
His work represents an inspiring display of devotion to literature and art and is a reminder of the power and lasting influence of great literary works in our lives.
Francisco Morales is a true gentleman of letters.
