WASHINGTON IRVING.
He was born in New York. He considered himself the American definite writer but his father
was Scottish and his mother English. He had an instable and irregular education because he was
a man of a weak physique, but he could pass the law bar.
At the age of 21 he was sent to Europe, exactly to England, where he acquired European
influences in his works. In Europe he joined himself with high classes; he was cordially
received by the high rank of society, with distinguished people, becoming a distinctive
American citizen. He stayed in Europe for 12 years (in Spain from 1826 to 1829) and he
became a consul delegated in London.
His first publication was “Knickerbockers”: It relates the history of New York. He presented an
extravagant and burlesque place, full of irony and parody. It deals with the inhabitants of New
York and also includes a political satire. He created Dietrich Knickerbocker (main character) as
a prolongation of himself.
“The Sketch Book”: It is a composed by short stories as “Rip Van Winkle” and “The legend of
Sleepy Hollow”, which has the German Romantic spirit.
“Tales of Alhambra”: It has a double perspective. Spain is completely separated from Europe,
becoming the perfect place for Romanticism, also with their conflicts between Muslim and
Christian culture.
“Life of Columbus”. He was fascinated with Colombus´ life.
“Life of Washington”