Alhambra

by Michael Jacobs

The Alhambra inspires and enchants like no other site. With its fascinating history, romantic locale, intricately decorated rooms, and numerous courtyards and fountains, this endlessly alluring palace-city has captivated visitors since the 13th century. In this book, Michael Jacobs takes a fresh look at the Alhambra and the potent mythology that has grown up around it. He details the history of this spectacular monument — the ruling families who lived in the palaces, the capturing and recapturing of the region, and the sometimes-fanciful tales that surround the Alhambra. Evocative photographs by Francisco Fernández take readers on a virtual journey through the various palaces, government and military buildings, mosques, baths, courtyards, and beautiful ancient gardens that make up this mythical place. A final chapter assesses the literature, art, and architecture the Alhambra has inspired.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Photography, Spain

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1900

Reviews

[Jennifer Sarha · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disturbingly islamophobic - all actions of the Moors are given pejorative motives, while those of the Christians are presented as reasonable. The author complains about people who value Moorish architecture over Christian as 'distorted', and states that Federico Garcia Lorca's interest in local gypsy culture was deplorably sentimental and 'ensured' his murder. Do not recommend this book - the lovely pictures are not worth the rubbish.

[Ariadna73 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The photographs are amazing, but more amazing are the descriptions and recounts of a place that has been so romanticized during the ages. Two takeaways from this book: 1. Nobody really knows what the Alhambra was; nobody really knows if it was built just for showings and not for really utilitarian ends. and 2. Eastern women were drop-dead gorgeous, but their excessive makeups and use of jewelry and luxurious fabrics, made them look like clowns pretending being themselves.

Cover:

Sierra Nevada:

Granada:

Doors:

Patios:

Gardens:

Fountains:

Another patio:

Califa:

Map:

[Carol Oosterhuis · Rating 3 out of 5]

wonderful photos

[Noreen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Support reading for Washington Irving's Tales from the Alhambra. The Muslims moved into Spain in 711. Great photographs.