In Lorca's Tamarit poems, the dominant theme is that of life/love and death. He returns to Andalusian material, specifically to his native city of Granada, for images and atmosphere, among other things. Traditional ballad rhythms can also be heard, yet experimentation in rhythm and images and other techniques is also evident. The Tamarit Poems is considered by many Lorcan scholars as among his finest work. Translator Michael Smith also includes 36 of his translations of poems from Arabic Andalusia by way of background.