Washington Irving

Washington Irving Biography

Washington Irving (April 3, 1783 – November 28, 1859) was an American author, essayist, biographer, historian, and diplomat. Born in New York City, he was the youngest of eleven children in a prosperous merchant family. Named after George Washington, whom he met as a child, Irving became one of the first American writers to earn international acclaim.

Irving began his literary career with a series of observational letters written under the pseudonym Jonathan Oldstyle. He gained widespread recognition with his satirical work A History of New York (1809), penned under the name Diedrich Knickerbocker. His later collections, The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. (1819–1820), featured iconic stories such as "Rip Van Winkle" and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," solidifying his place in American literature.

Throughout his life, Irving held various diplomatic positions, including serving as the U.S. ambassador to Spain from 1842 to 1846. He also authored several historical works, including biographies of Christopher Columbus and George Washington. Irving passed away at his estate, Sunnyside, in Tarrytown, New York, and is buried in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.

Trivia About Washington Irving

• Irving was named after George Washington and met him as a child.
• He was the first American writer to achieve international fame.
• Irving served as the U.S. ambassador to Spain from 1842 to 1846.
• He wrote a biography of Christopher Columbus.

Famous Quotes by Washington Irving

• "There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power."
• "Great minds have purposes; others have wishes."
• "The surest way to suppress our hearts is to neglect and violate our own nature."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Washington Irving?

Washington Irving was an American author, essayist, biographer, historian, and diplomat, best known for his short stories "Rip Van Winkle" and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow."

What are some of his notable works?

Some of Irving's notable works include The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent., Tales of a Traveller, and biographies of Christopher Columbus and George Washington.

What is 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' about?

"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" is a short story about Ichabod Crane, a schoolteacher who encounters the legendary Headless Horseman in the haunted village of Sleepy Hollow.

Related Literary Movements

Washington Irving is associated with early American Romanticism and is considered a pioneer in American literature, influencing writers like Edgar Allan Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne.

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