About the book: 1970 / In one of his works, Juan Valera expressed the following idea: “Don Quixote is a parody of chivalric romances, but, speaking against knightly literature, the author is inspired by the knightly spirit." Juano Valera's best novel, The Illusions of Doctor Faustino, develops the same theme - illusions and reality. Practical activity proved the complete failure of Faustino’s “illusions”, his idea of ​​himself and his abilities. The hero of the novel lost all romantic aura and became one of those countless losers who come to the capital in search of fame or money. In his philosophical and parody of romanticism book, Juan Valera did something that romantic aesthetics never allowed - he gave the opportunity to the ideal come true. Don Faustino lost his illusions and received a reward for it. But the idyll does not last long.