In their rambles about some of
the old cities of Spain, they were struck with scenes and incidents
which reminded them of passages in the Arabian Nights. Mr. Wilkie
urged his companion to write something that should illustrate those
peculiarities, "something in the Haroun Alraschid style" that should
have a dash of that Arabian spice which pervades everything in Spain.
Mr. Irving set about his task with enthusiasm: his study was the
spacious Alhambra itself, and the governor gave the author and his
companion, permission to occupy his vacant apartments in the Moorish
palace: Mr. Wilkie soon returned to England, leaving Mr. Irving at
the Alhambra, where he remained "for several months, spell-bound in
the old enchanted pile." The result was two volumes of legends and
traditions, which for interesting incident, and gracefulness of
narrative, have few parallels in our romance-writing.[5] They are
dedicated, in good taste, to the ingenious originator, Mr. Wilkie.
[Footnote 5: For Two Illustrations and Notice of this interesting
work, See _Mirror_, vol. xix. p. 337 to 342; whence the above origin
of the work has been quoted.]
In person, Mr. Irving is of middle height; and, according to a
contemporary, of "modest deportment and easy attitude, with all the
grace and dignity of an English gentleman."[6] Another describes
him as "a most amiable man, and great genius, but not lively in
conversation." His features have a pleasing regularity, and are lit
up, at every corner, with that delightful humour which flows in a rich
vein throughout his writings, and forms their most attractive charm.
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