Washington Irving (1783–1859) was an American author, essayist, and historian known for his contributions to early American Literature. His notable works, such as "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "Rip Van Winkle," have become enduring Classics. Irving's vivid storytelling and Development of distinctly American themes helped Shape the nation's literary identity. His influence extends beyond his writings, as he played a critical role in popularizing short stories and historical biographies in the U.S.
Anecdotes
- Wandered through Europe, gaining inspiration for famous ghost stories and befriending literary giants like Sir Walter Scott.
- Served as U.S. ambassador to Spain, during which Time he played a key role in diplomatic negotiations and cultivated friendships with European royalty.
- Once sent to England to oversee the Family Business, he instead became captivated by British literary culture, forming a lifelong Friendship with Sir Walter Scott.
Magnitudes
- Embrace solitude to fuel your Creativity.
- Nurture your Curiosity; it fuels creativity.
- Travel widely to fuel your creativity.
Explore these important ideas through classics in our archives contributed by or related to Washington Irving.
The Maas At Dordrecht
The Maas At Dordrecht
The Terrace At Saint-Germain, Spring
The Terrace At Saint-Germain, Spring
Treaty Of Paris
Treaty Of Paris
View of the Grand Canal And The Dogana
View of the Grand Canal And The Dogana
The Rialto Bridge From The North
The Rialto Bridge From The North
The Grand Canal With S. Maria Della Salute Towards The Riva Degli Schiavoni
The Grand Canal With S. Maria Della Salute Towards The Riva Degli Schiavoni
Self-Portrait With Her Daughter, Julie
Self-Portrait With Her Daughter, Julie
Exile of Ovid
Exile of Ovid
Sleeping Venus
Sleeping Venus
Sisyphus
Sisyphus
The Lowerzer See
The Lowerzer See
Windermere
Windermere
The Roman Tower, Andernach
The Roman Tower, Andernach
The Death Of King Arthur
The Death Of King Arthur
St. Martin in the Fields
St. Martin in the Fields
Summer, Lake Ontario
Summer, Lake Ontario
First Book of Kings: King James Version
First Book of Kings: King James Version
View of São Luis do Maranhão
View of São Luis do Maranhão
Villa Savoye
Villa Savoye
Últimas Compras
Últimas Compras
The Painter And The Buyer
The Painter And The Buyer
The Deposition From The Cross
The Deposition From The Cross
The Deposition
The Deposition
The Storm On The Sea of Galilee
The Storm On The Sea of Galilee
The Holy Trinity
The Holy Trinity
Wisdom of the Masters
Wisdom of the Masters
The Course Of Empire, The Savage State
The Course Of Empire, The Savage State
Gehry Tower
Gehry Tower
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Explore other influential icons and ideas connected to Washington Irving to deepen your learning and inspire your next journey.
Sir William Jones
Sir William Jones
Sir Walter Raleigh
Sir Walter Raleigh
Anatole France
Anatole France
Heinrich Böll
Heinrich Böll
Sir Thomas Lawrence
Sir Thomas Lawrence
Clarice Lispector
Clarice Lispector
Ambrose Bierce
Ambrose Bierce
Lord Macaulay
Lord Macaulay
John Reed
John Reed
Heinrich Heine
Heinrich Heine
Catharine Maria Sedgwick
Catharine Maria Sedgwick
Washington Irving
Washington Irving
Sir Thomas Browne
Sir Thomas Browne