The novel is set in Spain during the 15th century and depicts the historical events surrounding the fall of Granada, the last Islamic stronghold in the Iberian Peninsula, and the culmination of the Reconquista by the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile."Leila" is divided into books, and Book I sets the stage for the story, introducing the characters, establishing the setting, and providing the background for the impending conflict and siege of Granada.Edward Bulwer-Lytton's "Leila; or, The Siege of Granada" is renowned for its historical accuracy, vivid descriptions of the era, and its portrayal of the clash of cultures during this significant period in Spanish history. The novel captures the atmosphere, political intrigues, and conflicts prevalent during the end of Moorish rule in Spain.