1. WASHINGTON IRVING 3 April 1783 – 28 November 1859

2.  Youngest of 11 children – father was NY merchant – named for George Washington  Began preparing for law career at 16 but loved to write and travel.  1802 – age 19 – satires published in brother Peter’s newspaper.  Became at lawyer at 23 – traveling in Europe and the Hudson Valley of NY. Writing satirical pieces as Jonathan Oldstyle.  1809 – A History of New York from the Beginning of the World to the End of the Dutch Dynasty by Dietrich Knickerbocker

3.  When fiancé Matilda Hoffmann died in 1809, Irving went to Washington to rep the family’s cutlery business (bankrupt in 1818.)  1815-1832 – living mostly in Europe – now is full-time writer.  Dated Mary Shelley (Frankenstein) and is friends with Charles Dickens (A Christmas Carol, Oliver Twist) and Sir Walter Scott (Scottish novelist, playwright and poet.)  1819 – Sketch Book Tales by Geoffrey Crayon – first book of American short stories includes “Rip Van Winkle” and “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and was an international success.

4.  1826-1829 and 1842-1845 was diplomat in Spain.  1836 – moved to Tarrytown, NY – home was called Sunnyside – began writing biographies – declined nomination to Congress, mayor of NY, and appointment as Secretary of Navy under Martin Van Buren.  Died 28 November 1859 – “Well, I must arrange my pillows for another weary night. If this could only end!”  First American author to achieve international fame.

5.  Accomplishments: –First pleasure writer in US (some pornography) –Used humor and wit – smooth style –First modern short stories –First juvenile literature –Among first to write entertaining histories and biographies –Introduced the familiar essay to America –Brought back gothic romances (exploits of hero who overcomes all odds to win the day) Writing gives us an idea of society at the time Effect was more important than words.