Washington Irving
Full Name and Common Aliases
Washington Irving, often referred to by his pen names Geoffrey Crayon and Diedrich Knickerbocker, was a prominent figure in American literature. His ability to weave captivating tales earned him a place among the most celebrated writers of his time.
Birth and Death Dates
Washington Irving was born on April 3, 1783, in New York City, and he passed away on November 28, 1859, in Tarrytown, New York. His life spanned a period of significant change and development in the United States, which is reflected in his works.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Irving was an American author, essayist, biographer, and historian. He is best known for his short stories and historical writings, which have left an indelible mark on American literature and culture.
Early Life and Background
Washington Irving was the youngest of eleven children born to William Irving Sr., a Scottish-American merchant, and Sarah Sanders, the daughter of an English clergyman. Growing up in a bustling New York City, Irving was exposed to a diverse array of cultures and ideas, which would later influence his writing. Despite his family's desire for him to pursue a career in law, Irving was drawn to the arts and began writing essays and satirical pieces for local newspapers under various pseudonyms.
Major Accomplishments
Irving's literary career took off with the publication of "A History of New York" in 1809, written under the pseudonym Diedrich Knickerbocker. This work established his reputation as a humorist and a keen observer of American society. However, it was his collection of essays and short stories, "The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent.," published in 1819-1820, that cemented his status as a leading literary figure. This collection included the iconic tales "Rip Van Winkle" and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," which remain popular to this day.
In addition to his fiction, Irving made significant contributions to historical writing. His biographies of historical figures such as Christopher Columbus and George Washington were well-received and demonstrated his meticulous research and narrative skill. Irving's ability to blend fact with engaging storytelling made his historical works both informative and entertaining.
Notable Works or Actions
Among Irving's most notable works are "The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent.," which introduced readers to the enduring characters of Rip Van Winkle and Ichabod Crane. These stories, set in the Hudson Valley, captured the imagination of readers with their blend of American folklore and European literary traditions. Another significant work is "A History of the Life and Voyages of Christopher Columbus," which, despite some historical inaccuracies, was praised for its vivid portrayal of the explorer's life and adventures.
Irving also served as a diplomat, holding the position of U.S. Minister to Spain from 1842 to 1846. During his time in Spain, he wrote "Tales of the Alhambra," a collection of essays and stories inspired by the rich history and culture of the region.
Impact and Legacy
Washington Irving is often credited with helping to shape the American literary identity. His works introduced American themes and settings to a global audience, paving the way for future American writers. Irving's use of humor, satire, and vivid descriptions set a standard for storytelling that influenced generations of authors.
Irving's legacy extends beyond literature; his portrayal of early American life and his contributions to the nation's cultural heritage have made him a beloved figure in American history. His influence is evident in the works of later writers such as Nathaniel Hawthorne and Edgar Allan Poe, who admired his ability to blend the supernatural with the everyday.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Washington Irving is widely quoted and remembered for his ability to capture the essence of American life and folklore in a way that resonated with readers both in his time and today. His stories, filled with memorable characters and vivid settings, continue to be celebrated for their wit, charm, and insight into human nature. Irving's work not only entertained but also provided a lens through which to view the evolving American identity.
His quotes often reflect his keen observations of society and human behavior, making them relevant and thought-provoking even in contemporary discussions. As a pioneer of American literature, Washington Irving's contributions have left an enduring impact, ensuring that his words and stories remain a cherished part of the cultural landscape.
Quotes by Washington Irving
Washington Irving's insights on:
Sweet is the memory of distant friends! Like the mellow ray of a departing sun, it falls tenderly, yet sadly, on the heart.
Love is never lost. If not reciprocated it will flow back and soften and purify the heart.
There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are messengers of overwhelming grief...and unspeakable love.
A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.
He loved his daughter better even than his pipe, and, like a reasonable man and an excellent father, let her have her way in everything.
There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark ofweakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than tenthousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelminggrief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love.
The sorrow for the dead is the only sorrow from which we refuse to be divorced. Every other wound we seek to heal--every other affliction to forget: but this wound we consider it a duty to keep open--this affliction we cherish and brood over in solitude.
There is a certain relief in change, even though it be from bad to worse...it is often a comfort to shift one's position and be bruised in a new place.
It is, indeed, the season of regenerated feeling, the season for kindling, not merely the fire of hospitality in the hall, but the genial flame of charity in the heart.