Washington Irving

Washington Irving was an American writer, historian, and diplomat best known for his short stories "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "Rip Van Winkle," both published in his acclaimed collection "The Sketch Book" (1820). A versatile author, he also produced essays, biographies, and historical works, including "The History of New York" (1809), written under the pseudonym Diedrich Knickerbocker. His contributions to early American literature established him as one of the first internationally recognized U.S. writers.

Irving's career began at age nineteen with newspaper articles under the pen name Jonathan Oldstyle. He later expanded into historical writing, producing a five-volume biography of George Washington and works on figures such as Oliver Goldsmith and Muhammad. His interest in global history led to studies on Christopher Columbus, 15th-century Spain, and the Alhambra. In addition to his literary achievements, Irving served as the U.S. minister to Spain from 1842 to 1846 under President John Tyler, further cementing his legacy as a prominent cultural figure.