Born: 3 April 1783 · Died: 28 November 1859 · Age: 76
Author of classic American stories including The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Did you know?He is credited with popularising the nickname Gotham for New York City and the tradition of Santa Claus bringing gifts.
Quick facts
Date of birth3 April 1783
Date of death28 November 1859
Age at death76
NationalityAmerican
BirthplaceNew York City, United States
Occupationpolitician, lawyer, writer
Editor's Take:
Washington Irving proved that an American could earn a living as a writer. He was also read in Europe. His stories mixed humour, folklore and gentle mystery. A man sleeps for twenty years, and a headless horseman rides through the woods. Both tales became part of American culture. He spent years in Britain and Spain, writing travel books and biographies. He also gave New York its nickname. His tales of the Alhambra still bring visitors to Granada today.
Key Milestones
1809: Publishes A History of New York as Diedrich Knickerbocker
1819: Begins The Sketch Book
1832: Publishes Tales of the Alhambra
1842: Becomes US Minister to Spain
Washington Irving (April 3, 1783 – November 28, 1859) was an American writer, essayist, biographer, historian, and diplomat of the early 19th century.
