Familiar Spanish Travels

"Familiar Spanish Travels" by William Dean Howells is a travel chronicle framed as a first-person narrative, possibly from the turn of the century, that uncovers the author's enduring captivation with Spain through his travel encounters across multiple cities, weaving in autobiographical musings throughout. The book starts by introducing readers to the author’s internal journey to Granada, where he is thinking about how his past and present are connecting. He shows a strong, autobiographical yearning to reconnect with the Spain of his childhood daydreams, often comparing it to what he sees in the present day. His fondness for Moorish stories, and the magic originally sparked by reading "Don Quixote," act as a backdrop to his thoughts on identity and his deep love for Spanish culture. This poetic start creates a tone for a full read of both the landscapes and complicated history of Spain, mixing personal longing with historical background as he moves through different areas, and ultimately reveals his valued view of the country.