Andalucia is the quintessence of Spain and yet, historically and culturally, it is surprisingly unlike the rest of the country. Its literary history began to develop with the Romans and reached an early flowering when Arabic poets drew on centuries of literary tradition, together with the landscapes and passions of Moorish Spain. Later, Prosper Mérimée, Byron and Washington Irving forged legends of exotic southern Spain that persist to this day and Spanish writers themselves captured the rich tapestry of Andalucian culture, from Cervantes' Seville to the Córdoba of Baroque poet Luis de Góngora and Lorca's 'hidden Andalucia'. With the advent of the Civil War, a new generation flocked to Andalucia and were inspired to write some of the twentieth century's most iconic works of literature, from Hemingway's For Whom the Bell Tolls to Gerald Brenan's The Spanish Labyrinth and Laurie Lee's trilogy of books. As vibrant and compelling as the region itself, Andalucia: A Literary Guide for Travellers illuminates the very soul of Spain.

As vibrant and compelling as the region itself, this book illuminates the very soul of Spain.

List of IllustrationsAcknowledgementsMap1. Introduction2. Seville Province: Oranges, Romance and Religion3. Huelva Province: Birds of Paradise4. Cádiz Province: Carnival, Parties and Politics5. Málaga Province: Hilltowns and Hotels6. Granada Province: The Moor's Last Sigh7. Córdoba Province: A Twist of Faith8. Jaén Province: Army of Olives9. Almería Province: Heat and DustAuthor ProfilesChronology of EventsSelect BibliographyIndex