Irving, Washington, 1783-1859

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Washington Irving (b. April 3, 1783, New York City-d. November 28, 1859, Sunnyside, Tarrytown, New York), American author, wrote his first popular work, A History of New York, under the pseudonym Diedrich Knickerbocker. He continued to write stories and essays which made him the outstanding figure in American literature of his time and established his reputation abroad. In 1826 Irving went to Spain to work at the American embassy in Madrid, then at the American legation in London, before returning to New York in 1832. In 1842 he was sent back to Madrid as U.S. minister. After traveling extensively in the U.S. and Europe, he established himself at his estate "Sunnyside" near Tarrytown, N.Y. where he continued to write historical and biographical works. He also served as the first president of the Astor Library in New York City from 1849 until his death in 1859.

Irving was well known for his short stories, Rip Van Winkle and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, both of which were featured in his collection of short stories, The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent.

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Birth 1783-04-03

Death 1859-11-28

Americans

German,

English

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