A Series of Tales and Sketches of the Moors and Spaniards
Perhaps the most romantic travel book ever written
“From earliest boyhood when on the banks of the Hudson I first pored over the pages of an old Spanish story about the wars of Granada, that city has ever been a subject of my waking dreams, and often have I trod in fancy the romantic halls of the Alhambra. . . As I loiter through these Oriental chambers and hear the murmuring of fountains and the song of the nightingale, as I inhale the odour of the rose and feel the influence of the balmy climate, I am almost tempted to fancy myself in the paradise of Mahomet and that the plump little Dolores as one of the bright-eyed houris, destined to administer to the happiness of true believers.”—from the book
Written in 1831, 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.
The narrative is bewitchingly enhanced by Spanish guitar music and beautiful packaging. Tales of the Alhambra is a delightful offering for the romantic on anyone’s holiday list.
Written in 1831, this classic weaves timeless tales of intrigue, romance, greed, and hidden treasure amid the grandeur of the Alhambra. The listener's ear must become attuned to the historical language and setting, but this adjustment proves worthwhile. The ancient tales describe palace gardens, towers, subterranean prisons, and escape routes across mountains. Interestingly, the characters give present-day listeners a fresh perspective of the tensions between the Christian and Islamic traditions, and the ties to modern-day events are dramatic. Ralph Cosham gives an excellent even-toned reading with inflections of Spanish and Arabic that add to the stories. Spanish guitar music provides both transitional moments and ambience. L.D.H. (c) AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine
