Washington Irving

Date of Birth: April 3, 1783

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: November 28, 1859

Biography

Washington Irving was an American short story writer, essayist, biographer, historian, and diplomat of the early 19th century. He is best known for his short stories “Rip Van Winkle” (1819) and “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” (1820), both of which appear in his book “The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent.” Born in New York City, Irving was named after George Washington, the first President of the United States. He was one of the first American writers to earn acclaim in Europe and is often considered the first American man of letters. Irving’s early life was marked by his pursuit of a legal career, but his passion for writing soon took precedence. He traveled extensively in Europe, which significantly influenced his literary work. Besides his fiction, Irving wrote several biographies, including those of George Washington, Muhammad, and Christopher Columbus. He also served as the U.S. ambassador to Spain from 1842 to 1846. Irving’s writing style is characterized by its humor, vivid descriptions, and keen observations of American life. His work helped shape the American literary tradition and influenced many subsequent writers. Washington Irving passed away in 1859 and is buried in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in New York.

5 Interesting Facts about Washington Irving

1. Washington Irving was the first American writer to achieve international fame.

2. He was named after George Washington, whom he met as a child.

3. Irving served as the U.S. ambassador to Spain from 1842 to 1846.

4. His home, Sunnyside, in Tarrytown, New York, is now a museum.

5. Irving was a close friend of Charles Dickens and even helped arrange Dickens’ first American tour.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Washington Irving

1. “There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love.”

2. “Little minds are tamed and subdued by misfortune; but great minds rise above them.”

3. “A kind heart is a fountain of gladness, making everything in its vicinity freshen into smiles.”

4. “Great minds have purposes; others have wishes.”

5. “They who drink beer will think beer.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of his career, Washington Irving’s net worth was estimated to be equivalent to several million dollars in today’s currency, though exact figures are elusive due to the different economic context of the 19th century.