Tales of the Alhambra

Tales of the Alhambra | Washington Irving

pick

Irving‘s prose is beautiful, and he evokes a wonderful sense of time and place. The tales he relates are enchanting, but all very similar. The history he tells is interesting, but too detailed. Personally, I think I would have preferred a condensed version of this book. It just felt like a bit of a slog. A soft pick for me, but I‘m glad I read it, thanks to @BarbaraJean and #KindredSpiritsBuddyRead .

julieclair #OneSnackToRuleThemAll #CandyCornies @Bookwormjillk 7d

Bookwormjillk 🌽🌽🌽 7d

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BarbaraJean

Tales of the Alhambra | Washington Irving

#KindredSpiritsBuddyRead #LMMAdjacent - Alhambra discussion 3/3

LMM references Tales of the Alhambra in Emily Climbs, as well as in Vol. 2 of her journals.
What do you think it was about the book that captivated LMM?
Did you feel a similar enchantment, or were its charms not quite as potent for you?
Is there anything else you‘d like to discuss about Tales from the Alhambra?

rubyslippersreads, TheAromaofBooks, julieclair

julieclair I agree with LMM that the book was a “gateway to an enchanted world”, but I didn‘t take the delight in it that she did. It often felt like a slog. I think I may have enjoyed it more as individual stories read (or listened to, in my case) occasionally over a long period of time. But I‘m glad I read it - it‘s one of the classics that I have been meaning to get to. Thanks for making it happen, @BarbaraJean , and for always being an excellent host! 1w

TheAromaofBooks I don't think I found quite the magic that LMM did, but I could definitely see why she did - and thinking about her reading this at the end of a cold, dark Canadian winter - well it's no wonder that she was drawn to descriptions of warmth and exotic adventure! There were definitely times that the narration bogged down for me, but on the whole I found this one genuinely charming. 1w

rubyslippersreads I got behind n this, and based on everyone‘s comments, I don‘t think I‘ll try to catch up. 🙂 1w

BarbaraJean @julieclair @TheAromaofBooks It also felt like a slog to me frequently! I wouldn't have called my reading “pure delight,“ but I agree with you, Sarah--I can certainly see the draw for LMM in the midst of the darkness and the cold. I can see her being fascinated by the climate, the culture, the history, and the romance of the various stories. I could have done with less of the history, myself! @rubyslippersreads Fair assessment. 😂 5d

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BarbaraJean

Tales of the Alhambra | Washington Irving

#KindredSpiritsBuddyRead #LMMAdjacent - Alhambra discussion 2/3

What did you think of Irving as a narrator?
What did you think of his commentary on Spanish and Moorish culture (both past and present)?
Which of the tales he includes were most interesting to you?

rubyslippersreads, TheAromaofBooks, julieclair

julieclair Irving‘s prose was beautiful, but I could have done with less of it. I felt the same way about The Mysteries of Udolpho - too much “verdant verdure” for my taste. 😉 1w

julieclair I did enjoy the descriptions of Spanish and Moorish culture, which I knew little about. It felt like I was stepping into a truly different world. I appreciate a strong sense of place, and Irving definitely delivered that. 1w

julieclair Honestly, the tales seem to have merged together in my mind. Beautiful princesses, hidden Moorish treasure, ancient enchantments, poor peasants with good hearts, and lots of kings and battles. My favorite tale was the one where the parrot and the owl ended up as government officials! 1w

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TheAromaofBooks Like I said in my review, I loved Irving's voice. I actually loved some of the stories of his contemporaries staying in the Alhambra. He just seemed to find so much joy and interest in literally everything and everyone. 1w

BarbaraJean I really liked Irving as a narrator & kind of wished this was a more straightforward travelogue with his experiences + the legends, and fewer digressions. @julieclair The descriptions gave a GREAT sense of place, but yes: this could have been trimmed down! And the stories kind of blended together for me, too. I agree @TheAromaofBooks - I loved his voice! I'd have liked more about the experiences he had with the people staying in the Alhambra. ⬇ 5d

BarbaraJean (Cont'd) His respect for and delight in the culture, the people, the place, and the history were wonderful. Sarah, I think you mentioned this in your review or in a previous check-in discussion, but the way he presented the Christians vs. Moors was so refreshing. It was evident he respected the history and culture all around and didn't denigrate one side or the other. It was all just fascinating to him and he wanted to share it with his readers! 5d

julieclair @BarbaraJean @TheAromaofBooks I agree about the way he presented the Christians vs. Moors. Very balanced and not judgmental. He probably was a very good diplomat! And he did seem like an interesting, nice guy. He‘d make my list to be included in a “people from history” dinner party. 2d

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BarbaraJean

Tales of the Alhambra | Washington Irving

#KindredSpiritsBuddyRead #LMMAdjacent - Alhambra discussion 1/3

As a travelogue, this book goes beyond personal experience or descriptions of the sights & culture of a place. Irving includes story after story from the Alhambra's past, from more straightforward history to tales of myths and legends.
Did you enjoy this way of approaching his subject? What do the myths and legends add to his account—or did they detract from the subject for you?

rubyslippersreads, TheAromaofBooks, julieclair

julieclair For me, the history and stories are what make this succeed as a travelogue. I have always been ambivalent about visiting southern Spain, but now I really want to go there! The history is what makes a place come alive for me as a tourist. 1w

TheAromaofBooks Yes!! I totally agree with @julieclair - the stories are what made this so engaging. While some of the more straightforward history got a little bogged down for me, I loved all of the legends and really appreciated the way he gave them to us in a way that allowed them to build on each other, referencing stories/characters he had already told us about earlier. 1w

BarbaraJean @julieclair @TheAromaofBooks The legends were what made this work for me. While there were so many similar elements (all the hidden treasure!) that they did all kind of blend together, I still enjoyed reading them all! And I loved the way he closed the book, looking back on the city and thinking of Boabdil taking his last look as well. This wasn't a quick read and there were parts I wish had been edited down, but I'm glad I read it. 5d

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TheAromaofBooks

Tales of the Alhambra | Washington Irving

pick

One of my goals for October is to get back into posting regular reviews!! I started this one in September as a #KindredSpiritsBuddyRead – I had never really heard of it before and wasn‘t sure what to expect. Irving recounts a trip to Spain, where he spends several weeks living in the semi-ruined palace of Alhambra, just outside Granada. While parts of this book bog down with Irving‘s enthusiastic historical facts (apparently he was there to ⬇

TheAromaofBooks (cont'd) research for a nonfiction book he was writing), Irving himself comes through as incredibly likable. He is absolutely in love with where he is and the people who live there and all the history. This book is random anecdotes from his time there, and various legends he heard as well. While most of the stories are Moors/Muslims vs Christians, I never felt like he was creating a good vs bad dichotomy. Instead, he writes with respect and ⬇ 1w

TheAromaofBooks (cont'd) interest about everyone. He never sounds superior or snobbish (his chapter about scaring himself by purposefully staying in a more “haunted“ area of the castle was delightful), but keeps his writing warm and friendly. While parts of this book were slow, I still thoroughly enjoyed it.

@BarbaraJean 1w

TheAromaofBooks #HauntedShelf #ScreamTeam @ImperfectCJ
#WickedWords - Castle
#GottaCatchEmAll - Cloaks/Capes @PuddleJumper
#BookSpinBingo 1w

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PuddleJumper 🎉🎉 1w

BarbaraJean I completely agree with all of this!! His tone throughout was a delight—I think I‘d enjoy Irving as a travel buddy! 1w

mabell Oh my goodness, I had no idea this existed!!! I absolutely want to read this! I loved Irving‘s Old Christmas, and I love the Alhambra, so this sounds fabulous! 1w

TheAromaofBooks @mabell - I went into it with absolutely no knowledge of the Alhambra, so I would think that if you know anything about it, your reading would be even more enhanced. Irving is absolutely IN LOVE with the place, and that affection really comes through in his writing. I definitely recommend it!! 1w

TheAromaofBooks @BarbaraJean - So many of those older travel books (and even many modern ones!) are just... smug little comments about how inferior other places are from “home“ or completely lacking in any kind of appreciation for the culture and history of the place they're visiting. Irving's writing was so refreshing and enthusiastic. And the legends were great fun as well!! 1w

Cuilin I‘ve never heard of this, but your review has me intrigued. 1w

julieclair Great review! I agree that Irving came off as very likeable and not snobby. 1w

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BarbaraJean

Tales of the Alhambra | Washington Irving

I‘ve gotten behind in my Alhambra reading this week… the Abencerrages chapter was a real slog (I had a really hard time keeping track of who was who!), and I never quite got caught back up. I‘ve been enjoying the stories and legends more than the history!

How‘s your reading going? What stories/sections stand out to you so far?

#KindredSpiritsBuddyRead #LMMAdjacent

TheAromaofBooks, julieclair

Texreader Omg I have the first edition of this book!! I‘ve been wanting to read it but it‘s so old and crumbly I‘m afraid of damaging it. 2w

TheAromaofBooks Some parts of this definitely bog down, but the legends are great fun. I never feel like Irving is taking himself too seriously when he is describing what is happening to him/his observations, and I really like how it never feels like the Muslims and Christians are put into good v. bad categories - just two different sides. While I don't LOVE this one, I am finding it enjoyable. But it's not a fast read! 2w

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BarbaraJean

Tales of the Alhambra | Washington Irving

“That book always makes me feel as if I had opened a little door and stepped straight into fairyland.
How I would love to see the Alhambra!”
—from “Salad Days” in Emily Climbs

How are you enjoying your reading of Tales from the Alhambra this week? Is it taking you to fairyland, as it does Emily? #KindredSpiritsBuddyRead #LMMAdjacent

TheAromaofBooks, julieclair

julieclair There are moments where it feels like fairy land, but to be honest, it has mostly felt like a slog. The writing and descriptions are beautiful, but there are too many details for me. Although I must admit it has piqued my interest in visiting Grenada and The Alhambra some day. However, I‘m ready for some action! 3w

rubyslippersreads I need to catch up. I‘ve always wanted to read this because of the Emily connection. 3w

julieclair I‘m not sure where I am vs. where we‘re supposed to be. I‘m listening on audio and there are no chapters referenced, either in the narration itself or in the “details” section on Hoopla. I‘m at the part where he has just climbed up to the ramparts to see the view. 25% of book read. 3w

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BarbaraJean @julieclair The first chapter, where they're traveling to Granada, was SUCH a slog. It's picked up a bit more now he's including some of the legends & stories from the past. And SO interesting that yours doesn't have chapter references! I'm reading a digital copy via Hoopla & there are chapter titles but not chapter numbers. Where I left off yesterday, he was talking about how misunderstood Boabdil is and is about to tell about the Abencerrages. ⬇ 3w

BarbaraJean I wonder if the audio just reads the chapter titles into the text. Would it help if I posted a list of the chapter titles tied to the dates for the week? (Although it's not like there are really spoilers to be careful of, probably reading roughly 1/3 each week is close enough for our check-in/discussion purposes!)

@rubyslippersreads Me too! I remember coming across it first in the Emily books & there was a reference to it in the journals, too. 3w

TheAromaofBooks I actually have been enjoying this. The writing is friendly and I like the way that he is so kind to/about everyone. He seems like a person ready to be pleased with what he finds instead of always looking for faults. I loved the chapter where he decided to sleep in the abandoned rooms and then found himself getting creeped out by the ambiance 😂 It's a little dense - I think I'm a chapter behind - but I quite like it. 3w

julieclair @BarbaraJean You‘re sweet to offer, but I think your idea of just listening to 1/3 each week will work out fine. 💙 3w

julieclair @TheAromaofBooks I hadn‘t really thought about how nice he is, but you‘re right! 3w

BarbaraJean @TheAromaofBooks Like @julieclair, I hadn't thought about his kindness and how he just enjoys everything. Irving is the opposite of the stereotypical entitled traveler who is annoyed when things are different from home! It makes for a lovely tone for a travelogue. 3w

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LitsyEvents

Tales of the Alhambra | Washington Irving

Repost for @BarbaraJean

Hello, Kindred Spirits! We‘ll begin reading Tales of the Alhambra by Washington Irving this week. I‘m looking forward to experiencing this book that LMM loved and that she references both in her journals and in the Emily books. Here‘s the schedule—all are welcome! Let me know if you‘re not tagged and you‘d like to be. #KindredSpiritsBuddyRead #LMMAdjacents

Original post - https://www.litsy.com/web/post/2900766

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BarbaraJean

Tales of the Alhambra | Washington Irving

Hello, Kindred Spirits! We‘ll begin reading Tales of the Alhambra by Washington Irving this week. I‘m looking forward to experiencing this book that LMM loved and that she references both in her journals and in the Emily books. Here‘s the schedule—all are welcome! Let me know if you‘re not tagged and you‘d like to be. #KindredSpiritsBuddyRead #LMMAdjacents

TheAromaofBooks, LitsyEvents, julieclair

TheAromaofBooks I just started this morning, and am feeling very smug about having reading Don Quixote last year and understanding some of the references 😂 4w

BarbaraJean @TheAromaofBooks 😂 😂 YES! I felt the same way. I think a not insignificant reason for reading classic literature is so you can feel smug when you understand references to it later. 😆 3w

31 likes2 comments

KellyHunsakerReads

Tales of the Alhambra: To which are Added Legends of the Conquest of Spain | Washington Irving

The Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage site snuggled in the mountains of Andalusia. It is full of history and stunningly beautiful. It reminds me of Morocco, which I visited two years ago. This book paints the picture so vividly that you will believe that you are actually there! #backpackEurope

JenP, BookwormM

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KellyHunsakerReads

Tales of the Alhambra: To which are Added Legends of the Conquest of Spain | Washington Irving

Wow! This book is beautifully written and I have been transported to Andalusia, Spain and the Alhambra! I can picture every detail. One thing that helps is that I visited Morocco 2 years ago and saw very similar buildings. The photos on the left were taken in Fed and Marrakech. Those on the right are the Alhambra.
#backpackEurope

JenP, BookwormM

28 likes

KellyHunsakerReads

Tales of the Alhambra: To which are Added Legends of the Conquest of Spain | Washington Irving

Next up on my trip around Europe is this one from Washington Irving. #audiobook #backpackEurope

JenP, BookwormM

26 likes1 stack add

cinann

The Alhambra | Washington Irving

For #spookyoctober this is the #oldestbookiown
The copyright date is 1915. I bought it at a used bookstore after I came home from a trip to Spain, where I had toured The Alhambra in Granada. I have never read it though.
@Jess7

Lcsmcat I have a copy of this waiting to be read too. 8y

15 likes1 comment

Elsje

Tales of the Alhambra: To which are Added Legends of the Conquest of Spain | Washington Irving

I bought this book and the lovely bookmark in Granada, in the Alhambra-shop. Lovely set of the writer's adventures and (ancient) legends concerning the Alhambra. Reading takes me back there instantly!
A quote: "I observed, however, that she had taken care to clip his wings, to prevent all future soarings, a precaution which I mention for the benefit of all those who have truant lovers or wandering husbands."
(p 64)

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Eugeniavb

Tales of the Alhambra: To which are Added Legends of the Conquest of Spain | Washington Irving

Day 7: a book published before you were born. I first read this book when I was about 10 years old and I was transported by the romantic tales in it to the amazingly beautiful Moorish citadel in the hills of Granada in Andalucia, Spain. It was one of my dream travel destinations until last year when I finally got to visit La Alhambra and of course re-read the book for the occasion. It was worth the wait ❤️. #readingchallenge2016

KVanRead I have been waiting to go there since I read

The Moor's Last Sigh

Eugeniavb Thank you @KVanRead! Hadn't heard of it but just added it to my TBR. I read this year and loved it!

The Enchantress of Florence

KVanRead @Eugeniavb Good to know - just added it to my stack. I definitely want to read more Salman Rushdie. 9y

Sydsavvy I've started this but never finished it. I liked it so I don't know what happened. 9y

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Eugeniavb

Tales of the Alhambra: To which are Added Legends of the Conquest of Spain | Washington Irving

Texreader

The Alhambra | Washington Irving

One of these is a first edition Washington Irving I bought years ago when I interned in Irvington on Hudson. If I'd been more than a poor student at the time I could have bought the entire Irving set. Sob. They are an amazing if fragile set of books.

Texreader Actually all are first editions but one of them is The Ahlambra with gorgeous drawings from Moorish Spain. Irving was fascinated with this era, as was I for many many years. 9y

Riveted_Reader_Melissa Beautiful books! 9y

LeahBergen Lovely! 9y

MrBook Wow! Working on building my first edition collection as well 😊👍🏻. 9y

ValerieAndBooks Very nice! Maybe you can fill out the rest of the set someday. 9y

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Makatma

The Alhambra | Washington Irving

This month's book group pick. Starts as a travelogue. If there isn't a story that shows up soon, it will be a slog.

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