Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616) is considered the literary figurehead of Spain. "El Viejo Celoso" and "El Celoso Extremeno" are representative of his short works in two different genres in each of which he excelled: the short, one-act comedy and the extended short story. Each in its distinctive way refashions the ancient tale tradition of the jealous husband and the adulterous wife and engages with the psychological, moral and social issues surrounding it. In "El Celoso Extremeno" - set in Seville and the Americas - the social and human frame expands, and horizons generally broaden. Here the sexual and matrimonial themes are linked to an exploration of the themes of delusion and freedom which reveals Cervantes as one of the most enquiring minds of the early modern world. This edition of his work provides an extensive introduction, including new research and new critical thought.