Exemplary Novels: The Power of Blood & The Dialogue of the Dogs (Spanish–English Bilingual Edition) Miguel de Cervantes’s Novelas ejemplares (Exemplary Novels) explore human conduct, social order, and the possibilities of narrative form. This bilingual volume brings together two of the most discussed pieces from the collection: The Power of Blood (La fuerza de la sangre) and The Dialogue of the Dogs (El coloquio de los perros). Originally written in Spanish, these works show Cervantes’s range—from moral inquiry to satirical observation—and his influence on the development of modern prose. The Power of Blood examines honor, justice, and social reputation through a story that confronts violence and its aftermath. Rather than offering simple moral judgments, the narrative probes how power operates within families and communities and how institutions respond to wrongdoing. Questions of consent, restitution, and the ethics of reconciliation remain central to its impact and to present-day readings. The Dialogue of the Dogs is a witty and searching conversation between two dogs, Cipión and Berganza, who for one night can speak. Moving through episodes drawn from many corners of early modern life, they reflect on trades, superstition, hypocrisy, and truth-telling. The work blends satire with the picaresque and invites readers to consider perspective, reliability, and the act of storytelling itself. Together, these novellas illustrate Cervantes’s engagement with the culture of his time and his experimentation with voice and genre. They continue to be read for their ethical questions, their layered narrative structures, and their clear relevance to discussions about power, credibility, and social norms. Why this bilingual edition This edition presents the complete text in Spanish and English. The original language is Spanish. The bilingual format supports: Language learning: build vocabulary and recognize idioms by comparing passages across languages. - Comparative reading: observe tone, sentence structure, and narrative effects in two linguistic systems. - Literary appreciation: notice recurring motifs, irony, and shifts in register that emerge through cross-language reading. The English text is intended for study and comparative purposes, offering a practical aid to students, educators, and readers exploring Cervantes in the original. About the Author Miguel de Cervantes (1547–1616) is a central figure of the Spanish Golden Age and the author of Don Quixote, often cited as a foundational work of modern fiction. His Novelas ejemplares (1613) demonstrate his command of short prose, mixing moral inquiry, social observation, and formal experimentation. Cervantes’s influence extends across European literature, shaping narrative technique, character development, and the interplay between realism and satire. About Möwenstein Books Möwenstein Books publishes bilingual editions of classic literature to support close reading and language learning. Each title presents the text in two languages for clear comparison, helping readers engage with style, context, and meaning without replacing the value of reading works in their original language. Note: The English translation in this edition was produced using digital tools and is intended as a learning aid.