020 - Book VI Chapter III

Step into the whimsical world of Washington Irving, a masterful author, biographer, historian, and diplomat, as he unveils his first major work A History of New-York from the Beginning of the World to the End of the Dutch Dynasty, penned under the playful pseudonym Diedrich Knickerbocker in 1809. In a clever twist reminiscent of modern publicity stunts, Irving orchestrated a hoax by placing fake missing person ads in local newspapers, seeking help to locate the fictional Knickerbocker. Continuing the charade, he published a notice supposedly from the hotel proprietor, threatening to release a manuscript left by Knickerbocker if the unpaid bill wasnt settled. As he writes in “The Author’s Apology,” his goal was not just to document history, but to weave the vibrant traditions of New York into an engaging narrative, showcasing its local quirks and customs, and infusing the familiar with a touch of the fantastical. Join us as we delve into this delightful blend of history and humor.