Tales from the Alhambra
Washington Irving
Paperback
(Azafran Books, Jan. 29, 2019)
Tales of the Alhambra by Washington Irving combines description, myth, and fantastical tales, as well as narrations of real historical events. Shortly after completing a biography of Christopher Columbus in 1828, Washington Irving travelled from Madrid, where he had been staying, to Granada, Spain. At first sight, he described it as ‘a most picturesque and beautiful city, situated in one of the loveliest landscapes that I have ever seen.’ He immediately asked the then-governor of the historic Alhambra Palace as well as the archbishop of Granada for access to the palace, which was granted because of Irving’s celebrity status. Aided by a 35-year-old guide named Mateo Ximenes, Irving was inspired by his experience to write Tales of the Alhambra. The book was instrumental in reintroducing the Alhambra to Western audiences and serves an ongoing inspiration for authors and filmmakers, centuries after its publication. In 2017, a Spanish animation mini-series was produced featuring some of the tales from the book: The Arab Astrologer, The Three Beautiful Princesses and The Rose of the Alhambra.This new illustrated edition from Azafran Books has been formatted, edited, and redesigned for the contemporary reader. Washington Irving (April 3, 1783 – November 28, 1859) was an American short story writer, essayist, biographer, historian, and diplomat of the early 19th century. His historical works include biographies of Oliver Goldsmith, Islamic prophet Muhammad, and George Washington, as well as several histories of 15th century Spain that deal with subjects such as Alhambra, Christopher Columbus, and the Moors. Irving continued to travel through Spain until he was appointed as secretary of legation at the United States Embassy in London.NOTE: This edition by Azafran Books was published in January 2019 and has been edited and formatted by a team of dedicated real people – not an algorithm! Our books have been carefully published to the highest of standards.