Chapter Washington Irving of Index by Simonds History of American Literature

at a typical English hall is particularly attractive, and is our first introduction to the environment which Irving chose as the setting of his next book, Bracebridge Hall.

Brace-bridge Hall, 1822.

Tales of a Traveller, 1824.

This volume followed in 1822; and two years thereafter, the third in this series of sketch-books, -- for all are modeled on the same general plan, -- The Tales of a Travell. Irving's best work is found among these sketches and tales. The influence of Addison and of Goldsmith is obvious in the plan and in many details of this work, but the originality of Geoffrey Crayon is just as evident. The native vein which had been worked with such success in Rip Van Winkle was followed almost as successfully in Dolph Heyliger, and was drawn upon in Kidd the Pirate, The Devil and Tom Walker, and Wolfert Webber. These tales exhibit their author as a master in narrative, and are justly regarded as our earliest examples of that highly developed form of literature -- the short story.

Spanish History and Romance, 1826-32.

If we choose to group the works of Irving according to their themes, it is easy to find an order of division. Following that first group of early essays, including the Knickerbocker History, the Sketch-Book, Bracebridge Hall, and Tales of a Traveller (1809-24), we have a well-defined period in the author's life during which his interest centres in the historical records of Spain.

Columbus.

The Alhambra.

In 1826, Irving went to Madrid to make a translation of some important historical documents then appearing as extracts from the journals of Columbus. Impressed with the richness of this material bearing on the discovery of the New World, he determined to write a life of the great navigator. Thus the author of the Sketch-Book who had recounted with such charm the old Dutch traditions of his native land, creating for the valley of the Hudson an atmosphere of romance which has never vanished, became the first among American writers to draw upon that store of romantic legend and rich historic chronicle which, from the era of the Moors to that of the Discoverer, have given fascination and allurement to this poetic and picturesque land of Spain. Besides his Life and Voyages of Columbus (1828) and the Voyages and Discoveries of the Companions of Columbus (1831), his most serious undertakings, Irving wrote a Chronicle of the Conquest of Granada (1829) and -- most attractive of all the Spanish series -- the Alhambra (1832). This last volume is another "sketch-book." For a period Irving dwelt within the walls of this historic structure under the spell of its beautiful architecture and its romantic associations; haunting its marble halls, gazing from lofty windows over the surrounding landscape, or pacing at evening through its deserted gardens, melodious with the song of the nightingale, it is no wonder that his imagination kindled in the glow of ancient splendor until he wrote in poetic strain of the moonlit nights in this enchanted palace.

Again in England.

In 1829, Irving had been pleasantly surprised by an appointment as Secretary of Legation to the Court of St. James. It had required, however, the urgency of his friends to induce him to accept the honor. Naturally diffident, he shrank from the public responsibilities of a diplomatic position; moreover, several literary projects were engaging his attention. However, the post, once assumed, proved agreeable, and until the fall of 1831 he continued in the position. It was during these last two years of official routine that the series of Spanish volumes was completed.In 1830, Irving had been awarded one of the two medals annually placed by George IV at the disposal of the Royal Society of Literature, to be given to authors of works of eminent merit. The historian, Hallam, received the other. Shortly thereafter the University of Oxford conferred upon the American writer the degree of D.C.L. In May, 1832, Irving, who