Washington Irving

American, 1783–1859

Washington Irving (1783-1859) was the first American author to achieve international literary fame. His Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. (1819-1820) gave the world two enduring legends — 'Rip Van Winkle' and 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' — and helped establish the short story as a serious literary form. A diplomat, historian, and essayist, Irving bridged the literary cultures of America and Europe and proved that American writing could stand alongside the best of the Old World.