Washington Irving

by Henry Walcott Boynton

"Washington Irving" by Henry Walcott Boynton is a biographical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the life and works of Washington Irving, one of the first prominent American writers, known for his ability to capture both domestic and foreign literary attention. The narrative likely focuses on Irving's personal background, his journey as a writer, and his contributions to the Renaissance of American literature. The opening of the biography sets the stage by establishing Irving's significance as a pioneer in American letters, tracing the origins of his family from Scotland to New York and discussing his upbringing under contrasting parental influences. The text sketches a picture of Irving's early life, highlighting his normal childhood, interests, and aspirations—albeit with a sense of uncertainty about his talent and future in writing. It details his formative experiences in school and his haphazard entry into literary work as a young man, creating an intimate introduction to the man behind the pen and a foundation for understanding his later contributions to American literature.