Tales of the Alhambra is a collection of essays, verbal sketches and stories about the Moors and Spaniards. Through these stories, sketches and essays it is described the author's journey through Spain in Andalusia, where he gives a general description of the country and people. The collection consists of around 30 Tales about the Alhambra, the city castle of the last Moorish rulers in Al-Andalus. The stories are dealing, for the most part, with after-Moorish period in which the Alhambra has been managed as a possession of the Spanish kings and was left to decay. "Tales of the Alhambra" is translated into many languages and is considered one of the most important works of the author. During Irving's stay in Spain, after the success of his previous books, he was invited to stay at the palace of the Duke of Gor, who gave him unfettered access to his library containing many medieval manuscripts. It took him just a year to complete The Chronicles of the Conquest of Granada. The book is covering the long process of banishing the Moors from Spain and Portugal.

Washington Irving's 'The Spanish Account' is a captivating collection of tales that transports readers to the rich historical and cultural landscape of Spain during the medieval period. Blending elements of fiction and non-fiction, Irving weaves together the enchanting stories of 'Tales of the Alhambra' with the gripping historical account of the 'Chronicle of the Conquest of Granada'. Through his eloquent prose and vivid descriptions, Irving brings to life the exotic allure of the Alhambra palace and the turbulent events surrounding the conquest of Granada. This book not only showcases Irving's mastery of storytelling but also serves as a valuable historical document that sheds light on a pivotal moment in Spanish history. With its unique blend of fiction and history, 'The Spanish Account' stands out as a literary gem that offers readers a glimpse into a bygone era of romance and intrigue. Washington Irving, known for his contributions to American literature, drew inspiration from his travels in Spain and his fascination with Spanish culture and history. His deep admiration for the beauty and complexity of Spanish landscapes and traditions is evident in the meticulous research and attention to detail displayed in 'The Spanish Account'. This book is a must-read for history enthusiasts, literature lovers, and anyone seeking a thought-provoking and immersive reading experience.

A finalist for World Magazine's Book of the Year! Scholars, journalists, and even politicians uphold Muslim-ruled medieval Spain—"al-Andalus"—as a multicultural paradise, a place where Muslims, Christians, and Jews lived in harmony. There is only one problem with this widely accepted account: it is a myth. In this groundbreaking book, Northwestern University scholar Darío Fernández-Morera tells the full story of Islamic Spain. The Myth of the Andalusian Paradise shines light on hidden history by drawing on an abundance of primary sources that scholars have ignored, as well as archaeological evidence only recently unearthed. This supposed beacon of peaceful coexistence began, of course, with the Islamic Caliphate's conquest of Spain. Far from a land of religious tolerance, Islamic Spain was marked by religious and therefore cultural repression in all areas of life and the marginalization of Christians and other groups—all this in the service of social control by autocratic rulers and a class of religious authorities. The Myth of the Andalusian Paradise provides a desperately needed reassessment of medieval Spain. As professors, politicians, and pundits continue to celebrate Islamic Spain for its "multiculturalism" and "diversity," Fernández-Morera sets the historical record straight—showing that a politically useful myth is a myth nonetheless.