"Knickerbocker's History of New York, Complete" by Washington Irving is a funny and mocking look back at the early days of New York City. Told from the perspective of Diedrich Knickerbocker, a made-up historian, the book focuses on the time when the Dutch ruled the city, making fun of their traditions, the people, and the stories that went around. Irving mixes real historical info with made-up tales, causing readers to question what's true and what's just a good story regarding the origin of the city. The book kicks off by introducing Knickerbocker, who then vanishes, leaving his unfinished history behind. Irving uses Knickerbocker's voice to share silly thoughts about how the world began, while also poking fun at other historical writings and the first people who lived in America, creating a mix of smart humor that shows how complicated and contradictory America's beginnings really were.
Knickerbocker's History of New York, Complete
By Washington Irving
Step back in time to a New York you've never imagined, where comical characters and questionable stories paint a ridiculously delightful version of history.
Summary
About the AuthorWashington Irving was an American short-story writer, essayist, biographer, historian, and diplomat of the early 19th century. He wrote the short stories "Rip Van Winkle" (1819) and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" (1820), both of which appear in his collection The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. His historical works include biographies of Oliver Goldsmith, Muhammad, and George Washington, as well as several histories of 15th-century Spain that deal with subjects such as the Alhambra, Christopher Columbus, and the Moors. Irving served as American ambassador to Spain in the 1840s.
Washington Irving was an American short-story writer, essayist, biographer, historian, and diplomat of the early 19th century. He wrote the short stories "Rip Van Winkle" (1819) and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" (1820), both of which appear in his collection The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. His historical works include biographies of Oliver Goldsmith, Muhammad, and George Washington, as well as several histories of 15th-century Spain that deal with subjects such as the Alhambra, Christopher Columbus, and the Moors. Irving served as American ambassador to Spain in the 1840s.
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