Astoria; Or, Anecdotes of an Enterprise Beyond the Rocky Mountains

by Washington Irving

Overview

In 1811 a group of American traders built a fort at the mouth of the Columbia River, named Fort Astoria in honour of its financier, John Jacob Astor. Envisioned as the spur of a fur-trading empire, by 1813 the project was a business failure and the fort was surrendered to the British. But in its short life Astoria rendered incalculable benefits to public understanding of the Great Northwest. The exploration of trade routes, the description of various Indian tribes and their customs, and an American claim on the Northwest coast were among many of its legacies. (Goodreads)

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783962723613
Publisher:	Otbebookpublishing
Publication date:	04/18/2018
Series:	Classics To Go
Sold by:	Bookwire
Format:	eBook
Pages:	378
File size:	992 KB

About the Author

Washington Irving (1783-1859) stands as a towering figure in American literature, often hailed as the "first American man of letters." Born in New York City, Irving's life spanned a transformative period in American history, witnessing the young nation's burgeoning identity. His early works, such as "A History of New York" under the pseudonym Diedrich Knickerbocker, showcased his wit and keen sense of satire, earning him widespread acclaim.Irving's most enduring contributions to literature include "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "Rip Van Winkle," stories that have become ingrained in American folklore. These tales, part of his collection "The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent.," were revolutionary in their blending of European literary traditions with distinctly American settings and characters. This fusion helped to define a unique American voice in literature at a time when the nation was still culturally tethered to Europe.Irving's influence extended beyond his storytelling prowess. He was a pioneer in the field of historical writing, with works like "The Life and Voyages of Christopher Columbus" and "The Life of George Washington," which combined rigorous scholarship with engaging narrative. His ability to humanize historical figures made these works accessible and popular, setting a standard for future biographers.Controversially, Irving's portrayal of Native Americans and his romanticized view of colonial history have sparked modern debates about his legacy. Despite this, his impact on contemporary writers is undeniable. Authors like Edgar Allan Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne drew inspiration from Irving's blending of the supernatural with the everyday.Irving's life was as colorful as his stories. He traveled extensively in Europe, mingling with literary giants like Sir Walter Scott and Lord Byron. His diplomatic roles, including serving as the U.S. ambassador to Spain, enriched his worldview and literary output. Washington Irving remains a seminal figure whose works continue to captivate and influence readers and writers alike.
Washington Irving (April 3, 1783 – November 28, 1859) was an American short story writer, essayist, biographer, historian, and diplomat of the early 19th century. He is best known for his short stories "Rip Van Winkle" (1819) and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" (1820), both of which appear in his collection, The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. His historical works include biographies of Oliver Goldsmith, Muhammad, and George Washington, as well as several histories of 15th-century Spain dealing with subjects such as Alhambra, Christopher Columbus, and the Moors. Irving served as the U.S. ambassador to Spain from 1842 to 1846. (Wikipedia)