10 Interesting Washington Irving Facts

Wednesday, March 29th 2017. | People


The famous American short story writer is explained on Washington Irving Facts. Irving was born on 3rd April 1783 and died on 28th November 1859. He was also known as a historian, biographer, essayist and diplomat. The famous story of Irving was “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”. It was published in 1820.  In 1819, he published “Rip Van Winkle”. It was also popular. The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent featured both of his short stories. Let us get the details about Irving below:

Washington Irving Facts 1: biographies

As I have stated before, Irving was a biographer. He had created the biographies of the notable people such as Muhammad, Oliver Goldsmith and George Washington.

Washington Irving Facts 2: histories

Irving was also interested with the field of histories.  The subjects that he wrote in the histories were related to the Alhambra, the Moors and Columbus. Most of them were from 15th century.

Facts about East India Company

Facts about East India Company

Washington Irving Facts 3: as an ambassador

In 1842 until 1846, he was appointed as the ambassador of United States for Spain.

Washington Irving Facts 4: the literary debut

Irving was an impressive writer. He chose Jonathan Oldstyle as his pen name when having a literary debut in 1802. He wrote some observational letters and sent them to the Morning Chronicle. Check facts about Victor Vasarely here.

Washington Irving Pic

Washington Irving Pic

Washington Irving Facts 5: the international fame

The international fame of Irving was achieved after he published The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. In 1819–20, the publication was made after he relocated to England in 1815.

Washington Irving Facts 6: regular publication

After the big literary achievement, Irving had regular publication on his literary works. Eight months before his death, his works were always successful.

Washington Irving

Washington Irving

Washington Irving Facts 7: death

Irving died in Tarrytown, New York at the age of 76. The biography of George Washington had been completed before his death. It contained five volumes. Get facts about Warren G Harding here.

Washington Irving Facts 8: an influential writer

Irving earns the title as an influential writer. Edgar Allan Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Herman Melville were influenced by his works.

Washington Irving Image

Washington Irving Image

Washington Irving Facts 9: copyright infringement

Irving always urged for protection against copyright infringement for the American writers. He believed writing was legitimate profession.

Washington Irving Facts 10: parents of Irving

His mother was Sarah, while his father was William Irving, Sr. His father worked for the British Navy as a petty officer when he married Sarah in 1761.

Washington Irving Facts

Washington Irving Facts

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