WASHINGTON IRVING

Continuing her series of biographies of American writers (Mark Twain, Longfellow and Louisa May Alcott) this takes Irving through the life he lead as the son of a New York storekeeper, as a boy who was more of a prankster than a student and as a fortunate young man whose literary tendencies were given their necessary push through a combination of factors. While Irving had some success selling poems and essays, he was undetermined about writing as a career. But the charm that made him so popular, ill health and the chance to travel soon presented him with the ideas and the opportunities he needed. Mrs. Peare makes a friendly story, touching on the personal experiences that led to The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Rip Van Winkle and finally, Tales of the Alhambra and captures the richness in friendships and learning that marked his life.