Description: “A History of New-York from the Beginning of the World to the End of the Dutch Dynasty. Containing, Among Many Surprising and Curious Matters, the Unutterable Ponderings of Walter the Doubter, the Disastrous Projects of William the Testy, and the Chivalric Achievements of Peter the Headstrong, the Three Dutch Governors of New-Amsterdam; being the Only Authentic History of the Times that ever hath been Published, by Diedrich Knickerbocker,” by Washington Irving. London: Thomas Tegg, 1824. 1st British Edition, Published prior to Washington Irving claiming authorship, 8vo (13cm x 20cm), [xxx] 368pp. w Illustrated Title by W. Hughes, Signed Fine-Binding by Sangorski & Suitcliffe for Joseph Horne (see Images 2 & 3) with Matching Custom Marble Slipcase (also by S&S), Green Calf-Skin Leather Aged Brown on Spine (as is common) with Gilt Tooled Title and Borders, Gilt Corner Accents, Gilt Tooled Edges, 5 Raised Bands with Tooled Ties, Gilt Decorated Compartments/Author/Title/Printing Year, All Edges Gilt, Interior Gilt Tooled Borders, Marble End-Papers matching Marble Slipcase. In Very Good+ condition, with a strong spine showing no cracking or splitting, strong hinges showing no separation or starting, firm corners and end-caps, and no annotations, foxing or mold. Covers and edges show some mild rubbing and shelf-wear: rubbing to the front and rear joints, but again, no separation or starting; Green Faded brown at the edges and spine, as is common with green leathers of the period. Matching Slipcase case shows noticeable rubbing and edge-wear, but no splitting or cracking in the hinges (see Images 1, 10 & 11). See Images 5-9 for complete Table of Contents. “A History of New York, subtitled From the Beginning of the World to the End of the Dutch Dynasty, is an 1809 literary parody on the history of New York City by Washington Irving. Originally published under the pseudonym Diedrich Knickerbocker, later editions that acknowledged Irving's authorship were printed as Knickerbocker's History of New York. The book is significant as early media describing what became modern Christmas traditions in the United States. Irving had previously published his compilation of sketches Letters of Jonathan Oldstyle, Gent. (1802) and headed a short-lived periodical called Salmagundi (1807–1808). He completed his satirical A History of New York in 1809 after the death of his 17-year-old fiancée Matilda Hoffman. It was his first major book and a satire on local history and contemporary politics. Before its publication, Irving started a hoax by placing a series of missing person advertisements in New York newspapers seeking information on Diedrich Knickerbocker, a Dutch historian who had allegedly gone missing from his hotel in New York City. As part of this guerilla marketing ruse he placed a notice from the hotel's proprietor informing readers that if Mr. Knickerbocker failed to return to the hotel to pay his bill he would publish a manuscript that Knickerbocker had left behind. Unsuspecting readers followed the story of Knickerbocker and his manuscript with interest, and some New York city officials were concerned enough about the missing historian to offer a reward for his safe return. Irving then published A History of New York on December 6, 1809 under the Knickerbocker pseudonym, with immediate critical and popular success. "It took with the public", Irving remarked, "and gave me celebrity, as an original work was something remarkable and uncommon in America". The name Diedrich Knickerbocker became a nickname for Manhattan residents in general and was adopted by the New York Knickerbockers basketball team.” LOCATION: Rare Book Room NYS residents must pay 8.75% sales tax. Payment for item is due within 3 days of closing. Thank You.
Price: 424.95 USD
Location: North Tonawanda, New York
End Time: 2025-01-22T17:51:41.000Z
Shipping Cost: 6.13 USD
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Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Year Printed: 1824
Modified Item: No
Country/Region of Manufacture: United Kingdom
Topic: Literature
Binding: Fine Binding
Region: Europe
Illustrator: W. Hughes
Author: Washington Irving
Subject: History
Original/Facsimile: Original
Language: English
Publisher: Thomas Tegg
Place of Publication: London
Special Attributes: 1st Edition, Fine Binding