Washington Irving papers

1759-1898 [bulk 1805-1866] D

Washington Irving (1783-1859), the American author, wrote his first popular work, A History of New York, under the pseudonym Diedrich Knickerbocker. He continued to write stories and essays which made him the outstanding figure in American literature of his time and established his reputation abroad. In 1826 Irving went to Spain to work at the American embassy in Madrid, then at the American legation in London, before returning to New York in 1832. In 1842 he was sent back to Madrid as U.S. minister. After traveling extensively in the U.S. and Europe, he established himself at his estate "Sunnyside" near Tarrytown, N.Y. where he continued to write historical and biographical works. He also served as the first president of the Astor Library in New York City from 1849 until his death in 1859. Collection contains correspondence, writings by Irving, family papers, pictorial materials, and published works about Irving. Correspondence, 1805-1863, consists of Irving's letters to and from family, friends and colleagues as well as correspondence and other documents signed in his capacity as charge d'affaires of the American legation in London and as president of the Astor Library. Literary manuscripts include holograph drafts, manuscripts, revisions, and notes for many of Irving's literary and historical works. Journals consist of his diaries kept between 1804 and 1842; notebooks contain personal and literary notes made between 1807 and 1844; family papers include letters and documents written or received by members of the Irving family (except Washington Irving); related letters and documents are items that were not generated or received by Irving or his family but which relate to Irving or his associates; and pictorial materials contain original drawings, oil portrait of Irving, etchings, lithographs, photographs, and many engravings. Also, rare editions of Irving's writings and translations and works about him (many are extra-illustrated).