This is a collection of essays and short stories written by Washington Irving. It was originally published in 1832 in the United States and revised in 1851. Washington Irving (1783-1859) was an American author and historian of the early 19th century. He served as the U.S. minister to Spain from 1842 to 1846. In 1829 he wrote The Tales of Alhambra in Granada, Spain, in the rooms of the Alhambra Castle, where he lived for some time. The Alhambra (Red Castle) is an ancient palace and fortress complex in Granada, in southern Spain. The complex, which covers an area of 13 hectares, is renowned for its stunning frescoes and interior detail. It is among Europe's most-visited tourist attractions. The Alhambra was one of the 21 finalist candidates in the campaign to choose the New Seven Wonders of the World.