019 - Book II Chapter IX

Dive into the whimsical world of New Yorks past with Washington Irvings groundbreaking work, A History of New-York from the Beginning of the World to the End of the Dutch Dynasty, published in 1809 under the humorous pseudonym Diedrich Knickerbocker. Irvings satirical take on local history and politics not only entertains but also sheds light on the citys unique customs and quirks. To promote his book, Irving orchestrated a clever hoax, placing fake missing person ads and creating buzz through a fabricated notice from a hotel proprietor. As he states, his aim was to blend history with humor, capturing the spirit of the city and its inhabitants in a way that resonates even today. Join us as we explore the charm and peculiarities of New Yorks early days.