Why a Booktrail?
One of the most beautiful ways of seeing what is already a stunning example of Moorish architecture.
Tales of the Alhambra
What you need to know before your trail
Written in the 1800s by an American diplomat Washington Irving, who lived at The Alhambra for a few years. He wrote these stories as preparation for his book A Chronicle of the Conquest of Granada, and spent a lot of time researching and documenting life over the years at the Alhambra palace.
What he found led him to write Tales of the Alhambra. The stories describe real historical events and myths and beautiful and evocative descriptions of the life of Granada over the years.
Travel Guide
Such was the importance of this book, there is a plaque in one of the rooms where W Irving spent most of his time writing, dedicated to him and his work. To see and experience Granada and the Alhambra, this is a must read. With lovely illustrations, this is almost a scrapbook of life in and around the Alhambra palace. Such a mysterious and mystical place, this book gives you a great insight into understanding and experiencing the real beauty of the Moorish palace.
He writes about events such as the destruction of some of the palace’s towers by the French in 1812, and damage caused by an earthquake in 1821. this is a real insight into what myst be one of the most stunning places on earth and you can follow this book around to see it through W Irving’s eyes. And feel honoured that you have had the chance to share this with him.
Booktrailer Review
Susan: @thebooktrailer
I remember this book fondly for the memories it brings back of my six month stay in Granada exploring the sights and learning the language. Every Sunday was spent exploring the Alhambra Palace with this book as my guide and I still have some of the red soil in the pages of the book. This book taught me more about Spain and gave me more understanding of the amazing palace I was in, its history and its importance in the world than any other book. Now a bit more ragged than I would like, it reminds me of how a book, a travelogue, can really transport you to a place – many years later I only have to open the cover to be transported right back there.
It was here that I met one of my best friends – Maria – who was a keen writer and poet. She helped me to learn Spanish through writing and reading books. She taught me how reading a book in the original language also gives an insight in the world, the people and the culture that it holds within its pages. And I have never forgotten her beautiful stories and how she showed me how to see beyond words when I read.
The greatest artistic wealth of Granada is its Spanish and Muslim art. The effects of its moorish past influences everything from its cafes and restaurants to its architecture and shops. A beautiful magical place made all the more magical after reading this book.
Where Next?
