Knickerbocker’s History of New-York

5B Diedrich Knickerbocker aka Washington Irving 1836

Notes

Knickerbocker’s History of New-York (1809), by Washington Irving, is a satirical and fictionalized account of the early Dutch settlement of New York. Written under the pseudonym Diedrich Knickerbocker, the work humorously parodies historical scholarship and pokes fun at colonial pretensions. Irving blends fact and fiction, creating vivid, exaggerated characters and whimsical stories about the early days of New Amsterdam (now New York City).

The book is notable for its wit, inventive storytelling, and playful critique of historical writing, establishing Irving as one of America’s first great literary figures. It also popularized the term “Knickerbocker” as a symbol of old New York heritage.

Description

Marbled boards with leather spine and corners. Gilt lettering and designs along the spine with five raised bands. Front board is coming loose at the hinge and tear to the upper spine. General fading of color and bumping to the leather sections. Silver plate illustrations throughout. Illustrated page between pages 314 and 315 is loose. Good condition overall.