THE inception of my work on The Alhambra, to which this book is designed to be the companion and complementary volume, was due to the disappointing discovery that no such thing as an even moderately adequate souvenir of the Red Palace of Granada, “that glorious sanctuary of Spain,” was in existence. It was written at a time when I shared the very common delusion that the Alhambra was the only word in a vocabulary of relics which includes such Arabian superlatives as the Mosque at Cordova, ...

Granada is the creation of the Moors. Its history is all of them—the record of their glory and their fall. The Pomegranate, as its conqueror styled it, ripened only in the warm sunshine of Islam, and withered with its decline. Under the Christian, it fell from the rank of a splendid capital to a poor provincial town. Now it subsists merely as a great monument to a vanished race and a dead civilisation. With Granada before it became the centre of an independent kingdom, we need concern ours...

"Toledo: An Historical and Descriptive Account of the 'City of Generations'" by Albert Frederick Calvert offers a comprehensive exploration of Toledo's rich history and cultural significance. The book delves into the city's evolution from its ancient roots to its modern-day status, highlighting key events, architectural marvels, and notable figures that have shaped its identity. Calvert's vivid descriptions and engaging narrative style bring Toledo to life, making it an essential read for ...

"Spanish Arms and Armour" by Albert Frederick Calvert is a comprehensive exploration of the rich history and craftsmanship of Spanish weaponry and protective gear. The book delves into the evolution of arms and armor in Spain, highlighting the intricate designs and materials used throughout different historical periods. Calvert's detailed descriptions and illustrations provide readers with a vivid understanding of how these artifacts were not only functional but also works of art, reflecti...

"Royal Palaces of Spain" by Albert Frederick Calvert is a captivating exploration of the majestic royal residences that have shaped Spain's history and culture. The book delves into the architectural grandeur and historical significance of these palaces, offering readers a glimpse into the lives of Spanish royalty. Calvert's vivid descriptions and detailed illustrations bring to life the opulence and artistry of these structures, making it an essential read for history enthusiasts and arch...

"Bacon and Shakespeare" by Albert Frederick Calvert explores the intriguing relationship between two of the most significant figures in English literature and philosophy. The book delves into the theories surrounding the authorship of Shakespeare's works, suggesting that Francis Bacon may have had a hand in their creation. Calvert meticulously examines historical documents, literary styles, and philosophical ideas, presenting a compelling case for the connection between Bacon's intellectua...

"Salt and the Salt Industry" by Albert Frederick Calvert delves into the historical significance and economic impact of salt throughout civilization. The book explores how salt has been a vital resource, influencing trade routes, wars, and even the rise and fall of empires. Calvert meticulously details the various methods of salt extraction and production, highlighting the technological advancements that have shaped the industry. Through rich narratives and insightful analysis, he illustra...

Shut in between the barren range of the Sierra Molina on the north, and the arid plains of Murcia to the south, the ancient Kingdom of Valencia is one of the regions of Spain least visited by the tourist. And yet, a flowering and fruitful Eden, it lies beneath a burning sun, its waters trained in obedience to the hand of man. It puts forth a vegetation of tropical luxuriance. Demeter has blessed the land. Under the soft caressing winds that sweep up from the Mediterranean the soil yields f...

MIGUEL DE CERVANTES SAAVEDRA occupies an isolated and unique position among the great ones of Spanish history. As Columbus stands for the genius of discovery, Cervantes, in the mind of the civilised world, is analogous with Spanish literature. Mendoza and Lope de Vega, Tirso de Molina or Calderon are but shadows beside the reality of Cervantes as a living force in letters. The record of Spain’s military glory is gemmed with a cluster of such names as those of the Cid and the Duke of Parma,...

“ANDALUS” is the name given by the Moors to that part of the Spanish Peninsula wherein they were all-powerful for eight centuries. Andalus comprehended the four kingdoms of Seville, Córdova, Jaen, and Granada. (Los Cuatro Reinos de Andalusia.) About the year 403 of the Hegira (A.D. 1012) Granada first acquired importance. Záwí, the African chief who then ruled in Andalusia from Malaga to Almeria, declared himself independent, and transferred the seat of government from Elvira to Granada. L...

Seville is the most Spanish of the cities of Spain. On her white walls the sunlight plays perpetually, the air is laden with the scent of the orange, the sound of the guitar and castanets is heard continually in the narrow streets. This is the South of romance, the South of which northerners dream and towards which so many of them are drawn by an irresistible fascination. The cities of Leon and Castile are grim and Gothic. Cordova is Moorish; but Seville is not essentially one nor the othe...

THE large bay or estuary in the Gulf of Guinea, lying south of Nigeria and facing the island of Fernando-Po, was discovered by Portuguese navigators in the fifteenth or sixteenth century and christened the Rio dos Camaroes (the River of Prawns), from the abundance of Crustacea that infested its waters. The name was also used to designate the neighbouring mountains, which rise to the north-west of the bay. The English usage, until the end of the nineteenth century, was to confine the term, ...