The Escorial / A Historical and Descriptive Account of the Spanish Royal Palace, Monastery and Mausoleum

Name: The Escorial / A Historical and Descriptive Account of the Spanish Royal Palace, Monastery and Mausoleum
Author: Albert Frederick Calvert

By Albert Frederick Calvert

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About This Book

A detailed historical and descriptive survey examines the royal palace, monastery, and mausoleum at San Lorenzo, explaining the founder's motives and the campaign of construction. It outlines the building's austere architecture and spatial organisation—church, cloisters, royal pantheon, and college—while cataloguing artistic and cultural holdings such as paintings, frescoes, illuminated manuscripts, and a large library. The account describes ceremonial and monastic functions, decorative programmes and restorations, and interprets the complex as an expression of royal piety, power, and patronage, guiding readers through notable architectural features and major works of art.

About the Author

Albert Frederick Calvert

Albert Frederick Calvert was a British author and historian known for his extensive writings on Spain and its cultural heritage. His notable works include "Bacon and Shakespeare" and "Impressions of Spain," where he explores the intersections of literature and history. Calvert's travel accounts, such as "Granada and the Alhambra" and "Madrid: an historical description and handbook of the Spanish capital," provide readers with rich insights into the architectural and historical significance of Spanish cities. Additionally, he ventured into topics beyond Spain, as seen in his work "Nigeria and its tin fields." His contributions reflect a deep appreciation for the historical narratives that shape cultural identities.