A History of New York

A History of New York
Name	A History of New York
Author	Washington Irving
Country	United States
Language	English
Genre	Satire, History
Publisher	Inskeep & Bradford
Pub date	1809
Media type	Print

A History of New York, formally titled A History of New York from the Beginning of the World to the End of the Dutch Dynasty, is a satirical historical work by American author Washington Irving. Published in 1809 under the pseudonym Diedrich Knickerbocker, the book presents a comically exaggerated account of the Dutch colonization of New Netherland and the early history of New York City. Blending fabricated folklore with real events and figures, the work established Irving's literary reputation and popularized the term "Knickerbocker" as a symbol for New York culture.

Pre-colonial era and European exploration

The narrative begins with a mock-scholarly creation myth, satirizing contemporary historical and scientific texts. Irving, through his persona Diedrich Knickerbocker, humorously describes the formation of the world and the geography of New York, including the Hudson River and Manhattan island. He touches upon the indigenous peoples, such as the Lenape, before lampooning early European explorers. Figures like Giovanni da Verrazzano, Henry Hudson, and Samuel de Champlain are mentioned, with their voyages and claims for France, the Dutch Republic, and England treated with playful irreverence, setting the tone for the book's parody of epic histories.

Dutch and English colonial rule

This section forms the core of Irving's satire, focusing on the fictionalized reigns of Dutch Governors in New Amsterdam. The character of Wouter van Twiller is depicted as an indolent ruler, while William Kieft is portrayed as a bumbling leader who instigates conflicts like the Pig War. The most elaborate satire is reserved for Peter Stuyvesant, the last Dutch director-general, whose rule and eventual surrender to the English forces under the Duke of York in 1664 are rendered as a tragicomic epic. Irving mocks the political squabbles, the Dutch West India Company, and the eventual transition to English colonial rule.

American Revolution and early statehood

While the original 1809 edition concluded with the end of the Dutch dynasty, later revised editions expanded the history. In these updates, Irving covers the American Revolution, including events like the British capture of New York City and the departure of British troops at the war's end. He discusses the city's role as the first capital of the United States, the inauguration of George Washington at Federal Hall, and the drafting of the United States Bill of Rights. The narrative traces New York's rapid growth in the Federalist Era and its emergence as a commercial rival to Philadelphia and Boston.

19th century: growth and consolidation

Irving's later revisions document the explosive growth of New York in the 19th century. He describes the implementation of the Commissioners' Plan of 1811, which established the Manhattan street grid, and the completion of the Erie Canal, which secured the city's economic dominance. The narrative notes the rise of institutions like the New York Stock Exchange and addresses social transformations including waves of immigration, the Irish Potato Famine, and the political machine of Tammany Hall. Conflicts such as the Civil War and the Draft Riots are also chronicled.

20th century: metropolis and global city

The historical account, as extended by Irving and later editors, encompasses New York's arrival as a global metropolis. It highlights the consolidation of the Five Boroughs into New York City in 1898, the construction of iconic landmarks like the Woolworth Building, Empire State Building, and Brooklyn Bridge, and the cultural ferment of the Harlem Renaissance. Major events such as the Great Depression, the tenure of Mayor Fiorello La Guardia, and the city's pivotal role in World War II are included. The narrative also covers post-war developments, including the founding of the United Nations headquarters and the rise of New York City as a capital of finance, art, and media.

21st century and contemporary issues

Modern editions and analyses of Irving's work often contextualize it within New York's recent history. This includes the city's response to the September 11 attacks and the redevelopment of the World Trade Center site. Contemporary challenges such as climate change, exemplified by events like Hurricane Sandy, issues of economic inequality, and ongoing debates over urban development, policing, and infrastructure are framed as the latest chapters in the city's enduring narrative. The work itself is seen as a foundational text that invented a mythic past for a city continually reshaping its future.

Category:1809 books Category:American satirical novels Category:History books about New York (state) Category:Washington Irving books