Washington Irving 
Knickerbocker’s History of New York 
From the Beginning of the World to the End of the Dutch Dynasty

Washington Irving’s ‘Knickerbocker’s History of New York’ is a satirical account of the Dutch settlement of New York City, filled with humor and wit. Considered one of the first American literary works to gain international acclaim, the book blends historical facts with fictional tales in a lighthearted manner. Irving’s rich descriptive language and keen sense of irony make this book a delightful read, challenging traditional historical narratives. Written in the early 19th century, the book reflects the growing American identity and a push towards independence from European literary influences. Irving’s clever use of pseudonyms and playful storytelling captures the essence of early American literature, making ‘Knickerbocker’s History of New York’ a unique and important contribution to literary history. I highly recommend this book to readers interested in American literature, history, and cultural identity, as it offers a fresh and entertaining perspective on the early days of New York.

About the author

Washington Irving (1783-1859) was a preeminent American author, essayist, biographer, and historian of the early 19th century. Born in New York City soon after the American Revolution, Irving cultivated a fascination with the nascent culture and history of the United States. He first gained widespread acclaim with ‘The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent.’, a collection famous for stories like ‘Rip Van Winkle’ and ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.’ However, one of Irving’s fundamental contributions to American literature is his satirical work, ‘Knickerbocker’s History of New York, ‘ a mock-chronicle portraying New York’s history from its supposed Dutch colonial roots. With a playful and sarcastic tone, each aspect of the work served as a canvass for Irving to hone the literary style that would later seal his legacy in American letters. His adept use of satire in ‘Knickerbocker’s’ provided a template for future humor writing in America. Irving’s impact on American literature was profound, fostering a uniquely American voice in the world of letters. His creation of the pseudonym Diedrich Knickerbocker for the aforementioned ‘History’ displayed his literary inventiveness, which influenced both myth-making and the personification of an American cultural identity. He served as a bridge between America and the Old World, living a significant part of his adulthood in England and continental Europe. Today, Irving is celebrated as the ‘Father of American literature, ‘ a title reflecting his pioneering role in establishing an American literary style distinct from its European roots.