Chapter Washington Irving of Index by Simonds History of American Literature

as without historical value, it has been praised by others; its power and charm as a literary work have never failed of appreciation.

A Portrait.

These last years of Irving's life were happy and serene. There is a picturesque sketch of his personal appearance in one of the Easy Chair papers in Harper's Magazine¹ which describes the author of Knickerbocker "on an autumnal afternoon tripping with an elastic step along Broadway, with `low-quartered' shoes neatly tied, and a Talma cloak -- a short garment that hung from the shoulders like the cape of a coat. There was a chirping, cheery, old-school air in his appearance which was undeniably Dutch, and most harmonious with the associations of his writing. He seemed, indeed, to have stepped out of his own books; and the cordial grace and humor of his address, if he stopped for a passing chat, were delightfully characteristic. He was then our most famous man of letters, but he was simply free from all self-consciousness and assumption and dogmatism."

It is this simplicity, this cheeriness of spirit, this native humor and cordial grace of address which most distinguish the man in his literary work. He is always amiable -- a truly lovable soul. For obvious reasons when we think of the Sketch-Book and of Bracebridge Hall we are reminded of the Spectator essays and Sir Roger de Coverley;¹ but the spirit of Irving was more closely akin to that of Goldsmith than to that of Addison.

"If, however, I can by lucky chance, in these days of evil, rub out one wrinkle from the brow of care, or beguile the heavy heart of one moment of sadness; if I can, now and then, penetrate the gathering film of misanthropy, prompt a benevolent view of human nature, and make my reader more in good-humor with his fellow-beings and himself -- surely, surely, I shall not then have written entirely in vain."

Such was the literary aspiration of Washington Irving as expressed in connection with his works which are best remembered: an aspiration, perhaps, not the most lofty which can impel a writer in the practice of his art, -- but one altogether worthy, and in its realization eminently deserving of the appreciation and gratitude of mankind.

Full of years and modestly happy in his fame, Washington Irving died at Sunnyside, November 28, 1859. He was buried on a little elevation overlooking Sleepy Hollow, and commanding a view of the Hudson -- so intimately connected with his writings and associated with his name.

Suggestions for Reading.

The writings of Washington Irving are not, in the largest sense, great; but they have the literary qualities that always charm and are always valued. The student in his reading of this author will be impressed with the gentleness, the geniality, the wholesome enjoyment in life, the hearty sympathy with all things human, which distinguished the winning personality of the man. He will note that the sources of Irving's material are almost entirely in the past, in history, biography, and tradition; also that the subjects which attracted his attention are romantic. His whimsical humor it was that first claimed public recognition; but this was more and more tempered by the delicate sentiment which gives to his sketches and tales their finest flavor. The mere humorist is without sentiment and is never romantic. Irving was an idealist and a lover of romance.

One's reading of Irving will doubtless begin with the Sketch-Book -- probably with the world-famous narrative Rip Van Winkle. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is a companion piece. Westminster Abbey should be compared with Addison's Visit to Westminster Abbey. Next take the sketches of English manners, Christmas, The Stage Coach, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and The Christmas Dinner. These papers will furnish a pleasant introduction to the volume entitled Bracebridge Hall, into which the reader may dip at will, by no means felling it necessary to read every sketch. One -- The Stout Gentleman -- should be carefully studied; it is one of Irving's most brilliant essays, and should be appreciated by the student. The story of Dolph Heyliger, at the close of the volume, takes us back to the Dutch burghers of Manhattan