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The Sketchbook of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent.
The Sketchbook of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. is a collection of short stories, essays, and sketches written by Washington Irving. It was first published in 1819–1820 and is one of Irving’s most significant works. The collection is notable for its mix of literary forms, including travel writing, fiction, and personal reflections, and it marked a turning point in American literature, blending European literary traditions with American themes and sensibilities.
The work was published under the pseudonym Geoffrey Crayon, and it contains a series of vignettes about both American and European life. While it’s primarily known for its sketches, the collection also includes some of Irving’s most famous stories, including "Rip Van Winkle" and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow".
The work was published under the pseudonym Geoffrey Crayon, and it contains a series of vignettes about both American and European life. While it’s primarily known for its sketches, the collection also includes some of Irving’s most famous stories, including "Rip Van Winkle" and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow".
424 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 24, 2025
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About the author
Washington Irving
5,669 books1,063 followersPeople remember American writer Washington Irving for the stories "
Rip Van Winkle
" and "
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
," contained in
The Sketch Book
(1820).
This author, essayist, biographer and historian of the early 19th century wrote newspaper articles under the pseudonym Jonathan Oldstyle to begin his literary career at the age of nineteen years.
In 1809, he published The History of New York under his most popular public persona, Diedrich Knickerbocker.
Historical works of Irving include a five volume biography of George Washington (after whom he was named) as well as biographies of Oliver Goldsmith, Muhammad, and several histories, dealing with subjects, such as Christopher Columbus, the Moors, and the Alhambra, of 15th-century Spain. John Tyler, president, appointed Irving to serve as the first Spanish speaking United States minister to Spain from 1842 to 1846.
This author, essayist, biographer and historian of the early 19th century wrote newspaper articles under the pseudonym Jonathan Oldstyle to begin his literary career at the age of nineteen years.
In 1809, he published The History of New York under his most popular public persona, Diedrich Knickerbocker.
Historical works of Irving include a five volume biography of George Washington (after whom he was named) as well as biographies of Oliver Goldsmith, Muhammad, and several histories, dealing with subjects, such as Christopher Columbus, the Moors, and the Alhambra, of 15th-century Spain. John Tyler, president, appointed Irving to serve as the first Spanish speaking United States minister to Spain from 1842 to 1846.
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January 27, 2026
Washington Irving's writing is incredibly beautiful. "Sketches" is a great description of the short stories - some fanciful, some true or based on the truth, a few political - that Irving wrote. In each one, I could visualize perfectly someone's face and mannerisms, or a farm, village, or quiet place in the countryside. Nothing is fast-paced about his style; to me, sitting down to read a sketch or two from this book was best done in a tranquil mood with hot tea at my side and no distractions so that I could fully immerse my mind in the surroundings and in the people he so perfectly described.
Displaying 1 of 1 review