Washington Irving was one of the first romantics in the American literature. Irving stood at the origins of the new romantic genre in the American literature, and his essays were influenced by folklore, historical documents, sketches, legends, and national fairy tales.
Being the employee of the American diplomatic mission in Spain, Washington Irving gets to the well-known Alhambra palace. Three months, which he spent there, inspired him on writing historical descriptions and essays.
In the essay "Recollections of the Alhambra", the author depicts life and customs of Spain.