Washington Irving , (1783-1859),

American columnist and author of short stories, essays, poetry, travel books and biographies has been lauded as the father of the American short story. His work helped established the short story in American literature and he was one of the first Americans to be renowned abroad as a man of letters, as well as being recognized at home as a great writer and thinker. A gentle but effectual satirist, Irving was expert in creation of a sophisticated prose style both graceful and unobtrusive.

The critical acclaim and lasting esteem of Irving’s tales proved the value of the short story as an American literary form. From American Literary Masters (1906):

“There are passages of much splendor, but Irving’s taste was too refined to admit of his indulging in rhetorical excesses. Irving is one of the most human and companionable of writers, and his English is just the sort to prompt one to go on all day with him.”

The work for which he is best remembered is THE SKETCH BOOK OF GEOFFREY CRAYON, GENTLEMAN, (1819-20), a collection of stories including “Rip Van Winkle” and “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”. His most popular work, it was widely celebrated both in the United States and abroad for its warmth, elegance and wit. Both stories, based on German folk tales and set in rural New York, are considered classics in American literature.