Washington Irving, has long been admired for his writings on American lore and history, but his work on Islamic subjects, particularly his studies of Islamic Spain, deserve wider recognition. The author first visited Granada in 1828, and revisited the city many times, living within the precincts of the Alhambra and having access to the many historical documents housed there.

The Alhambra is a more personal study reflecting the authors enchantment with the splendours of the palace and his intimate knowledge of the history of the Muslims in Spain.