Irving, Washington

Washington Irving (1783 - 1859) was an American author, short story writer, biographer, essayist, historian, a magazine editor. He is renowned for such stories as 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' (1820) and 'Rip Van Winkle. ' He also wrote biographies of George Washington, Oliver Goldsmith and Muhammad. From 1842 to 1846, Irving wastheU. S. minister to Spain. Irving achieved worldwide recognition after the publication of The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. in 1819.

The first American author to gain international fame, Irving is known as the writer of classic short stories and essays. His travel experiences are reflected in most of his works. In addition to this his historical works are also very famous.