The Alhambra

"The Alhambra" by Washington Irving is a collection of essays and tales written in the early 19th century. The work reflects Irving's deep affection for the Alhambra, a stunning Moorish palace in Granada, Spain, capturing the beauty of its architecture, gardens, and rich history through personal observations and enchanting folklore. Though there are no conventional protagonists, Irving himself emerges as a central figure, as he recounts his journey and experiences within this culturally rich setting. At the start of the narrative, Irving sets the stage for his travels in Spain, describing the rugged and majestic landscape that surrounds the Alhambra. He introduces readers to his companion from the Russian Embassy as they embark on their expedition from Seville to Granada. The opening sections present vivid descriptions of the Spanish scenery, the solitary and resilient nature of the landscape, and the cultural customs that shape the experiences of the travelers. He vividly portrays the stark contrasts between the barren wilderness and lush valleys, the intriguing characters met along the journey, and the foreboding presence of banditti in the region. Through these observations, Irving lays the groundwork for a romantic exploration of the Alhambra and its legendary past, inviting readers into the tales and historical accounts that swirl around this iconic location. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Washington Irving was an American short-story writer, essayist, biographer, historian, and diplomat of the early 19th century. He wrote the short stories "Rip Van Winkle" (1819) and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" (1820), both of which appear in his collection The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. His historical works include biographies of Oliver Goldsmith, Muhammad, and George Washington, as well as several histories of 15th-century Spain that deal with subjects such as the Alhambra, Christopher Columbus, and the Moors. Irving served as American ambassador to Spain in the 1840s.