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Irving's dreamlike description of the Alhambra, the beautiful Moorish castle that defined the height of Moorish civilization, and the surrounding territory of Granada remains one of the best guidebooks to the region and one of the most entertaining travelogues ever written. A heady mix of historical fact, medieval myth and mystery, sensual descriptions, and an appreciation for a civilization which valued beauty, philosophy, literature, science and the arts on an equal level with warrior skills. Secret chambers, desperate battles, imprisoned princesses, palace ghosts and fragrant gardens, described in a wistful and dreamlike eloquence will transport the listener to a paradise of his own.… (more)
A collection of short stories and essays written by the author about Granada and specifically the Alhambra, from 1829-1830 while he was given free reign of the fortress. It can't really be called a travelogue or memoir because included are folk stories and local oral histories. I think one that has visited the Alhambra or knows more of Moorish history might better enjoy this book than I. 348 pages ( )
If you visit the Alhambra you will enjoy this book. It wonderfully evokes the antique grandeur, intricate beauty and mystery of the place. The tales are somewhat repetitious, and too many, but nearly every individual story is well written and enjoyable. The framing narrative of the author's arrival and sojourn at the Alhambra is especially well done.
It is available for free download via the Gutenberg Project. Go, Gutenberg! ( )
Purchased some twenty years ago on a Spanish holiday and finally read! This 1832 volume follows the American author's visit to and residence in the ruined Alhambra; a time long before the current legions of tourists, when he could ramble about and pick where he lodged! He's a good writer and combines a largely descriptive first third - picturing the palace, its environs and the colourful characters encountered there - with traditional fairy tales and a bit of history. ( )
In the spring of 1829, the author of this work, whom curiosity had brought into Spain, made a rambling expedition from Seville to Granada in company with a friend, a member of the Russian embassy at Madrid. Accident had thrown us together from distant regions of the globe and a similarity of taste led us to wander together among the romantic mountains of Andalusia.
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A little further and Granada, the Vega and the Alhambra, were shut from my view and thus ended one of the pleasantest dreams of a life which the reader perhaps may think has been but too much made up of dreams.
Irving's dreamlike description of the Alhambra, the beautiful Moorish castle that defined the height of Moorish civilization, and the surrounding territory of Granada remains one of the best guidebooks to the region and one of the most entertaining travelogues ever written. A heady mix of historical fact, medieval myth and mystery, sensual descriptions, and an appreciation for a civilization which valued beauty, philosophy, literature, science and the arts on an equal level with warrior skills. Secret chambers, desperate battles, imprisoned princesses, palace ghosts and fragrant gardens, described in a wistful and dreamlike eloquence will transport the listener to a paradise of his own.
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Book description
While serving as ambassador to Spain, Irving wrote this romantic collection of annecdotes about his trip to Granada and his stay at Alhambra, including various legends from Moorish times. This edition is illustrated with engravings from Iriving’s time.
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