A Fine Collection of American Literature and History

London: John Murray, 1820. A New Edition. 8vo. (xxxiii), 520, (2) pp. Illustrated with 22 original watercolors, with manuscript captions below each image. Contemporary full diced russia, stamped in blind and in gilt, rebacked, corners renewed, extremities rubbed; marbled edges, matching marbled endpapers; light foxing and offsetting to prelims. BAL 10227

A handsome edition of Washington Irving's first major book, with original and vibrant watercolor illustrations of many of the book's famous characters. A work of literary satire, the book's primary aim was criticizing the self-important attitude of contemporary New York City high society, and its local politics.

Written under his famous pseudonym, Dietrich Knickerbocker, the book was at the center of peoples' attention when originally released in 1809, due almost entirely to Washington Irving's own actions. In the weeks before its publication, Irving placed several missing person advertisements in newspapers for a man named Diedrich Knickerbocker--an old Dutch historian who supposedly disappeared from a New York City hotel room. Further developing the ruse, Irving penned a fake notice from the hotel's owner, claiming if Knickerbocker was not found to settle his bill, the man would be forced to publish a manuscript left behind in the room as recompense. The city was enthralled by the story of the missing historian, inasmuch as a few city officials offered a monetary reward for Knickerbocker's safe return. When the book was finally published in December of 1809 under the pseudonym, it was met with immediate success, and Diedrich Knickerbocker became a nickname for Manhattan residents in general.