The Alhambra: A Series Of Tales And Sketches Of The Moors And Spaniards


Read by David Wales

(4.6 stars; 42 reviews)

This is a collection of essays, verbal sketches, and stories by Washington Irving. Irving lived at the Alhambra Palace while writing some of the material for his book. In 1828, Washington Irving traveled from Madrid, where he had been staying, to Granada, Spain. At first sight, he described it as "a most picturesque and beautiful city, situated in one of the loveliest landscapes that I have ever seen." He immediately asked the then-governor of the historic Alhambra Palace as well as the archbishop of Granada for access to the palace, which was granted because of Irving's celebrity status. Aided by a 35-year old guide named Mateo Ximenes, Irving was inspired by his experience to write Tales of the Alhambra. Throughout his trip, he filled his notebooks and journals with descriptions and observations though he did not believe his writing would ever do it justice. He wrote, "How unworthy is my scribbling of the place." A commemorative plaque in Spanish at the Alhambra reads, "Washington Irving wrote his Tales of Alhambra in these rooms in 1829". The book was instrumental in reintroducing the Alhambra to Western audiences. (Summary by Wikipedia and David Wales) (10 hr 57 min)

Chapters

Dedication 2:16 Read by David Wales
The Journey 43:00 Read by David Wales
Government of the Alhambra 7:41 Read by David Wales
Interior of the Alhambra 19:11 Read by David Wales
The Tower of Comares 11:30 Read by David Wales
Reflections on the Moslem Domination in Spain 9:14 Read by David Wales
The Household 11:42 Read by David Wales
The Truant 7:53 Read by David Wales
The Author's Chamber 12:47 Read by David Wales
The Alhambra by Moonlight 4:04 Read by David Wales
Inhabitants of the Alhambra 9:50 Read by David Wales
The Balcony 15:17 Read by David Wales
The Adventure of the Mason 8:33 Read by David Wales
A Ramble Among the Hills 19:04 Read by David Wales
The Court of Lions 14:22 Read by David Wales
Boabdil El Chico 8:57 Read by David Wales
Mementoes of Boabdil 8:07 Read by David Wales
The Tower of Las Infantas 3:38 Read by David Wales
The House of the Weathercock 2:23 Read by David Wales
Legend of the Arabian Astrologer 46:03 Read by David Wales
Legend of the Three Beautiful Princesses 59:09 Read by David Wales
Local Traditions 5:35 Read by David Wales
Legend of the Moor's Legacy 52:29 Read by David Wales
Visitors of the Alhambra 14:28 Read by David Wales
Legend of Prince Ahmed Al Kamel; or, The Pilgrim of Love Part 1 42:42 Read by David Wales
Legend of Prince Almed Al Kamel; Or, The Pilgrim Of Love Part 2 41:06 Read by David Wales
Legend Of The Rose Of Alhambra; Or, The Page And The Ger-Falcon 39:45 Read by David Wales
The Veteran 4:34 Read by David Wales
The Governor And The Notary 16:19 Read by David Wales
Governor Manco And The Soldier 42:26 Read by David Wales
Legend Of The Two Discreet Statues 44:57 Read by David Wales
Mahamad Aben Alahmar, The Founder Of The Alhambra 17:39 Read by David Wales
Jusef Abul Gahias, The Finisher Of The Alhambra 10:35 Read by David Wales

Reviews

Highly recommended!


(5 stars)

A wonderful collection of stories, very well read. This is one of my all time favorites that I can listen to again and again.

An awesome book and an awesome reader


(5 stars)

A great look at a part of history rarely studied during today's so-called modern education (Yech ! Give me a classical education and the Grand Tour any day. The former results in a boring mind, the later in, at the very least, a mind lyrical in it's infamy.) The reader does a fantastic job with both cadence and pronounciation of both English and Spanish words. Really, an ideal reader for any historical or classical word, refined yet not boring.

As magical as arabian nights


(5 stars)

Beautifully read, thank you. This book was my only happiness while I was sick in bed and helped bring my thoughts away from the pain to such enchanting places. I am very grateful

Recommend 100%


(5 stars)

Can't recommend this enough. Finer in spirit and more masterful in execution than the more famous sketch book, this book and its excellent reader delighted me from beginning to end

NOT YOUR NORMAL TRAVELOG


(5 stars)

I felt like I was there. Irving can certainly tell a story, and he gets to tell several here. David Wales was the perfect narrator for this book.

Beautifully written and read. highly recommended


(5 stars)

Nobody will want to stop listening to this


(5 stars)

Just finished this book. Enjoyed the stories and the narrator. Altogether worth my time!!

Legends with historical interludes


(4.5 stars)

Reading adequate. Could have researched some pronublnuciation