Tales of the Alhambra PDF is a collection of essays and stories written by Washington Irving, an American author, and diplomat, during his stay in the Alhambra palace in Granada, Spain, in 1829. The book was first published by G. & C. Carvill, a publishing company based in New York, in 1832.
The Tales of the Alhambra has received generally positive reviews from literary critics and readers alike. Irving’s vivid descriptions of the Alhambra palace and the surrounding areas of Granada have been praised for their beauty and evocative power. The stories themselves, which are based on Irving’s experiences and observations of local culture and folklore, have been lauded for their charm and imaginative storytelling.
The book touches on several themes, including the clash of civilizations, the beauty and decay of cultural artifacts, and the power of storytelling. Many of the stories in the collection deal with the interactions between the Moors and the Christians in medieval Spain, exploring the tensions and complexities that arose from the coexistence of two vastly different cultures. Tales of the Alhambra is available in a variety of formats, including hardcover, paperback, and ebook.
Table of Contents
About the Author
The author of Tales of the Alhambra is Washington Irving, an American author born on April 3, 1783, in New York City. He was the youngest of 11 children and began his literary career writing under various pseudonyms in newspapers and magazines. He gained international acclaim for his short stories and essays, many of which were collected in The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. in 1819-1820.
Irving is also known for his biographies of historical figures, such as Christopher Columbus and George Washington, and for his contributions to American folklore with his creation of the character Rip Van Winkle. In addition to his literary pursuits, Irving served as a diplomat in Europe and held various political appointments.
He spent time traveling throughout Europe and the Middle East, including a stay in the Alhambra palace in Granada, Spain, which inspired his work on Tales of the Alhambra. Irving died on November 28, 1859, at the age of 76, and is remembered as one of America’s first internationally acclaimed authors.
Details of Tales of the Alhambra Book
| Book | Tales of the Alhambra |
| Author | Washington Irving |
| Original language | English |
| Originally published | 1832 |
| Category | Travel literature |
| Publisher | Carey & Lea, Henry Colburn |
| Total Pages | 607 |
| Format | PDF, ePub |
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Multiple Languages Editions of Tales of the Alhambra Book
Tales of the Alhambra has been translated into multiple languages, including Spanish, French, German, and Italian, among others. The availability of specific language editions may vary depending on the country and publisher.
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|---|---|
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Tales of the Alhambra Summary
In the beginning of the book, Irving describes his arrival in Granada and his first impressions of the Alhambra palace. He is immediately struck by the beauty and grandeur of the palace, and he decides to stay there for a while to explore and learn more about the history and culture of the region.
As he spends more time in the Alhambra, Irving begins to meet local people and hear their stories. He uses these stories as inspiration for the tales he writes in the book. Some of these stories are based on legends and folklore, while others are more personal accounts of Irving’s own experiences in Granada.
Throughout the book, Irving describes the different parts of the Alhambra palace, including its gardens, fountains, and intricate architecture. He also explores the surrounding areas of Granada, visiting nearby villages and talking to the people who live there.
The book’s stories cover a variety of themes, including love, betrayal, revenge, and the clash of cultures. Many of the stories are set during the time when the Moors, who were Muslims, ruled Spain and clashed with the Christian kingdoms. Irving explores the complex relationship between these two cultures and the tensions that arose from their coexistence.
Similar Books to Tales of the Alhambra Book
- The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. by Washington Irving
- Arabian Nights by Anonymous
- The Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio
- The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer
- The Book of One Thousand and One Nights by Anonymous
- The Arabian Nights Entertainments by Andrew Lang
- Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes
- The Golden Ass by Apuleius
FAQs(Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the book Tales of the Alhambra about?
Tales of the Alhambra is a collection of essays and stories based on the author’s experiences in the Alhambra palace in Granada, Spain, and explores themes of cultural clash, decay, and the power of storytelling.
What is the reading level of Tales of the Alhambra?
The reading level of Tales of the Alhambra is suitable for adult readers with a good command of the English language.
How long does it take to read Tales of the Alhambra book?
On average, it takes approximately 8-10 hours to read the book.
Who is the target audience of Tales of the Alhambra book?
The target audience of Tales of the Alhambra book is adult readers interested in historical fiction, travel writing, and cultural exploration.
