1. Author Lesson

2. Born: New York City on April 3, 1783 (0ne of the first native Americans) This year marked the end of the struggle for liberty and the beginning of peace. Mother said: "Washington's work is ended and the child shall be named after him."

3. Loved music, theater, spending time with comrades. Was mischievous-Parent once exclaimed "O Washington, if you were only good!“ Truly enjoyed the outdoors Was fascinated with the docks and piers-often wandered shore side areas creating dreamy ideas of foreign lands Considered one of the Founding Fathers of American Literature-rivaled the Old World classics

4. Schooling ended at age 16 due to bad health He did not have to go to college because he was banned from confinement or close association with books-yet he read many books, becoming familiar with books of travel, voyages, and adventure. Father decided he spent too much time wandering around-made him study the law Although he worked in the law for 8 years he never became attached to his work-his love was for the country

5. “I…knew every spot where a murder or robbery had been committed, or a ghost seen.” “A book of travel is like a coach at the door, I must jump in and take a ride.”

6. Wrote The History of New York (a comedy) and cemented he reputation as a writer Published his work under a different name-this gave him freedom to make fun and not personally offend He increased his popularity of this work by posting advertisements seeking information about the mysterious disappearance of the supposed author- Deidrich Knickerbocker

7. The name Knickerbocker became quite famous in New York First group of American writers were called “The Knickerbocker Group” It is still around…ever heard of the New York Knicks?

8. History of New York Tales of a Traveller The Alhambra Salmagundi Bracebridge Hall The Voyage Rip Van Winkle The Legend of Sleepy Hollow