It deals with the adventures of the title character, a Spanish soldier and man of fortune living in the 17th century.
A movie based on the series, titled Alatriste, was released on September 1, 2006, directed by Agustín Díaz Yanes and starring Viggo Mortensen.
[1] Pérez-Reverte was inspired to begin the series due to a lack of treatment in his teenage daughter Carlota's school textbook of the historical Spanish Golden Age.
He reflects on Spain and the Spaniards as a united people who, in spite of being at war with all the major European powers, are capable of showing bravery and honour.
In 2014, Telecinco produced the TV series Alatriste, directed by Enrique Urbizu and starring Aitor Luna.