its contents have not been drawn from works of unfettered fancy,
it is hoped they will be found to blend the real with the
imaginative in such a degree as to render their knowledge not the
less useful for its being amusive. The Engravings are perhaps as
appropriate as attractive; since they illustrate, and the artists
hope not unworthily, the _New Sketch Book_ of WASHINGTON IRVING.

* * * * *

THE ALHAMBRA.

by Geoffrey Crayon, Author Of The Sketch Book, &c.

What! Washington Irving, or, as the title-page will have it, Geoffrey
Crayon, in SPAIN, wandering up and down the deserted halls of the
Alhambra, and weaving its legendary lore with thick coming fancies
into sketches of enchanting interest. The origin of the work, (the
_New Sketch Book_,) as it has been inappropriately styled, is told in
the dedication to David Wilkie, Esq., R.A. Mr. Irving and the great
artist just named were fellow travellers on the continent a few years
since. In their rambles about some of the old cities of Spain, they
were more than once struck with scenes and incidents which reminded
them of passages in the "Arabian Nights." The painter urged Mr.
Irving to write something that should illustrate those peculiarities,
"something in the Haroun Alrasched style" that should have a dash of
that Arabian spice which pervades every thing in Spain. The author set
to work, _con amore,_ and has produced two goodly volumes, with a
few "Arabesque" sketches and tales founded on popular traditions. His
_study_ was THE ALHAMBRA, which must have inspired him for his task.
To quote his own words: "how many legends and traditions, true and