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Tales of the Alhambra: A Series of Tales and Sketches of the Moors and Spaniards Audiobook
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(3.04) - 792 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Written in 1831, Washington Irving’s dreamlike description of the Alhambra, the beautiful Moorish castle that defined the height of Moorish civilization, and of the surrounding territory of Granada remains one of the most romantic and entertaining travelogues ever written of this region in Spain.
Enhanced here with exquisite Spanish guitar music, the narrative is a heady mix of historical fact, medieval myth and mystery, sensual descriptions, and an appreciation for a civilization that 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 listeners to a paradise of their own.
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"This is truly an under-remembered, if not fully lost, classic. The book has alternating themes, which flip masterfully with each new chapter. One "Tale" is of Granada and the Alhambra as they were in Irving's day - the early 19th century. Such great history, such a brilliant record of the daily lives of both commoners and kings. The other "Tale" is of the Moorish times, legends, and history. These are told with mystical precision and enrapturing skill. Simply not to be missed by anyone who loves Spain, history, or folklore."
— Craig (5 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“The Tales of Alhambra are brillant and striking, told with the most delightful grace of language, and addressed to the imagination.”
— New York Mirror, 1832 -
“As we are here strongly impressed with [the Tales of the Alhambra], we might speak of that most delightful of all critical offices, the giving of free, fearless praise.”
— American Monthly Review, 1832 -
“In the works of Washington Irving there is more polished elegance than rough stregth: he is always graceful and neat, flowing and harmoinious...The present work dawned on his fancy as he mused amid the magnificent ruins of the Alhambra...we know of few who can equal him in the art of transferring living and breathing flesh and blood to his canvas.”
— Athenaeum, 1832 -
“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.”
— AudioFile
Tales of the Alhambra Listener Reviews
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John Atwood, 2/4/2022
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" I read this book before my trip to Granada, Spain last December, and I was so glad I did. I was able to appreciate more my visit to The Alhambra--a world heritage site everyone should visit before one dies--simply beautiful; the book and The Alhambra. "
— Kayf, 2/15/2014 -
" I liked the short stories that were legends of the Alhambra, in particular, to explain many of the existent locations there. Some of the stories were engaging, others were slightly dull. Started this book (on Kindle) last September, and finally finished it this evening. One thing to note is that the "book" version had many of the stories in a different order than in the Kindle version. I'm not sure why. "
— Rrlgrrl, 2/9/2014 -
" Fascinating tales and depictions of The Alhambra. I was not familiar with it beforehand and it made me want to visit it. "
— Lisa, 2/8/2014 -
" I read this as a pre-teen several times and found it fascinating. Of course it was my first 'big book' about the world. "
— Dolores, 2/6/2014 -
" A treasured tale of adventurous companionship within the legendary Alhambra. Illustrated with incredibly detailed and ornate etchings. "
— Victoria, 2/5/2014 -
" Fascinating, considering their origin. "
— Scheherazade, 2/1/2014 -
" I was expecting more tales and less description of irving's experiences. it dragged and took awhile to read for such a short book, but it was interesting to see the stories based on the Alhambra after recently visiting there. "
— Liz, 1/24/2014 -
" Sort of short stories and myths, sort of autobiography. Mostly very enjoyable, although sometimes tedious. Started it whilst at The Alhambra, but didn't finish until somewhere in Morocco. "
— Oanh, 1/14/2014 -
" Definitely one of my favorite books! I've read it twice now. Once before we went to Spain and again when we were in Spain. The stories are wonderful and I will definitely read this over and over through the years. "
— Cindy, 12/31/2013 -
" Lovely book. I highly encourage anyone traveling to southern Spain to read this before going or on your journey. Washington Irving describes the place with the eye of a jounalist and the heart of a poet. The stories really enriched my trip to Granada. "
— Fig, 12/2/2013 -
" I originally picked up this book from the library on the recommendation of an author whose work I admire. Luckily, the edition was the one illustrated by Joseph Pennell. The 4 star rating is as much for the exquisite illustrations as for the stories themselves. "
— Dirk, 11/6/2013 -
" Again, not a favourite, but the right kind of book to have read this holiday... "
— Alexandra, 10/30/2013 -
" You must make a point of seeing the Alhambra in Granada, Spain -- gorgeous! The book relates stories and legends about this fortress and the author's travels, but it was hard for me to stay engaged throughout. "
— Lynn, 8/18/2013 -
" I LOVE this book! I read it with my sister a while ago and it gives me such good memories!!! the stories are a bit strange at times but it is still awesome!! "
— Megan, 8/17/2013 -
" Great read,amaizing view of andalusia,its culture and moro stories "
— Shahrazad, 8/1/2013 -
" kisah perjalanan yg sangat mendetail...walaupun katanya novel fiksi tapi seolah2 benar2 terjadi mungkin karena ditulis dengan sudut pandang orang pertama... "
— Ireal, 8/3/2012 -
" I loved the detail that Washington put into this book. Not only on the scenery and his thoughts of it, but the details of the life of the people who lived amonst the Alhambra. My favourite part had to be the tales and legands he gathered and told- they were delightful to read. "
— Nicole, 5/7/2012 -
" Wish I had read it Before visiting the Alhambra (as opposed to in the gift shop on my way out of Alhambra). "
— Olya, 1/19/2012 -
" Nice little short stories of Alhambra, the Moors & Christians of Andalusia. Good to read before going to visit the Alhambra "
— Alex, 6/25/2011 -
" These rambling stories aren't for everyone, but I thoroughly enjoy being transported back to one of my favorite places in Spain through Irving's tales. "
— Becky, 5/4/2011 -
" A treasured tale of adventurous companionship within the legendary Alhambra. Illustrated with incredibly detailed and ornate etchings. "
— Victoria, 1/24/2011 -
" Fascinating tales and depictions of The Alhambra. I was not familiar with it beforehand and it made me want to visit it. "
— Lisa, 10/17/2010 -
" Definitely one of my favorite books! I've read it twice now. Once before we went to Spain and again when we were in Spain. The stories are wonderful and I will definitely read this over and over through the years. "
— Cindy, 6/26/2010 -
" I read this book before my trip to Granada, Spain last December, and I was so glad I did. I was able to appreciate more my visit to The Alhambra--a world heritage site everyone should visit before one dies--simply beautiful; the book and The Alhambra. "
— Kayf, 3/6/2010 -
" A romantic travel notes by a romantic traveler. Irving definitely shows how much he is in love with Alhambra and Andalusia. As I also do. Although I am just not sure whether it is still possible to be a romantic traveler in this age of commodified traveling... "
— Irwan, 12/21/2009 -
" Loved all the little tales of the Moors, Spaniards, princesses, and country folk in this book. I read it to learn more about Spain. At first, we weren't even planning on going to Granada, but a friend suggested we visit Granada. After reading this book I can't wait to see the Alhambra! "
— Cindy, 10/26/2009 -
" precious tales, while reading you feel like plonging in another world, perfect descriptions "
— Julia888, 10/17/2009
About Washington Irving
Washinton Irving (1783–1859), American essayist, novelist, and historian, was born in New York to a wealthy merchant. He studied law, but because of his delicate health, his family sent him on a tour of Europe, where he collected material later used in his stories and essays. The first American author to achieve international fame, his literary career served in many ways to consolidate the cultures of the United States and Europe.
About Geoffrey Howard
Geoffrey Howard (a.k.a. Ralph Cosham) was a stage actor and an award-winning narrator. He recorded more than 100 audiobooks in his lifetime and won the prestigious Audio Award for Best Narration and several AudioFile Earphones Awards.