Chronicle of the Conquest of Granada

Many Talented Washington Irving

Washington Irving is familiar to many Americans for the many American folk tales which he presented with wit and eloquence such as “The Legend of Sleepy Hallow” or “Rip Van Winkel”. However, he was the author of many works of history, some humorous, such as “ Knickerbocker’s History of New York”. Many however are serious accounts of well researched history. His command of the English language was augmented with what must have been a great gift with other languages. “Chronicles of the Conquest of Grenada” depends upon a very thorough study of original Spanish documents to paint a remarkable portrait of the horrible clash of cultures, with a surprisingly evenhanded treatment of both sides, considering the era in which he wrote it! I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the important role that Spain played from this time on, but also for those who wish to understand the role of Islam and how the rich culture the Muslims were able to establish in Spain came to an end.