Washington Washington IrvingIrving

1783 - 18591783 - 1859

Known as the “Father of American Known as the “Father of American Literature”Literature”

Named after our first presidentNamed after our first presidentSet an example for humorous writingSet an example for humorous writingPioneered the short story as a Pioneered the short story as a

literary formliterary formInfluenced important writers, Influenced important writers,

particularly Nathaniel Hawthorneparticularly Nathaniel Hawthorne

Writings—Writings—–Diedrich Knickerbocker’s Diedrich Knickerbocker’s

History of New YorkHistory of New York (New York (New York Knicks named after the Knicks named after the character in this literary work)character in this literary work)

–““The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”–““Rip Van Winkle”Rip Van Winkle”–““The Devil and Tom Walker”The Devil and Tom Walker”