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Washington Irving

Definition

Washington Irving was an American author, essayist, biographer, and historian of the early 19th century. He is best known for his short stories "Rip Van Winkle" and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," both of which appear in his book 'The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent.'

Analogy

Think of Washington Irving as the J.K. Rowling of his time. Just like Rowling's Harry Potter series captivated millions around the world, Irving's stories were widely popular and helped shape American literature.

Related terms

American Romanticism: This is a literary movement that took place in America from roughly 1800 to 1855. It emphasized emotion over reason and individuality over conformity - values that are evident in many of Irving's works.

Folklore: Folklore refers to traditional beliefs, customs, and stories passed down through generations by word of mouth. Much like how folklore influences our understanding of different cultures today, it heavily influenced Irving's storytelling.

Short Story: A short story is a brief work of fiction intended to be read in one sitting. It often focuses on a single incident or character - much like how "Rip Van Winkle" revolves around Rip's long sleep.