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Knickerbocker's History of New York
Fictionalised and comical history of New York during the period of Dutch domination.
332 pages, Paperback
First published December 6, 1809
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1483 people want to read
About the author
Diedrich Knickerbocker
16 books2 followersDiedrich Knickerbocker is a pen name used by Washington Irving to publish his first satirical work A History of New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
February 19, 2016
In every reader’s life there are a few books which seem to come out of nowhere at just the right moment to surprise and delight and affirm your hope that there are still treasures lurking in the double-stacked shelves. This was that sort of book for me.
Published in 1809, the young Irving’s book is a satirical novel/history of the Dutch New Netherlands, ostensibly written by a crotchety old fellow named Diedrich Knickerbocker – and printed by his former landlord after the author mysteriously disappeared while still owing a considerable amount of rent. Irving himself engaged in a sort of viral marketing campaign for A History of New York, writing missing person notices for Knickerbocker in several New York papers prior to publication.
Knickerbocker’s “history” of New York begins with the creation of the world, of course. It moves on to the origin of species and the peopling of Earth, then jumps right into the “discovery” of the New World by Europeans (especially Henry Hudson). There’s a fantastic, biting chapter on the ethics of colonization and relations with the Indians. The bulk of the history, however, has to do with the gloriously comical reigns of the three Dutch governors of The New Netherlands. There’s a lot of inside-baseball for people familiar with the politics of New York in Irving’s own day, but unfamiliarity in no way detracts from enjoyment of the book.
A History of New York is hilarious, and terrifically entertaining. There’s nothing quite like it in early American literature. Looking for comparisons, I can only turn to Tom Jones, Tristram Shandy, and maybe Rabelais. Supposedly Byron and Dickens, among others, were huge fans of this book. I read that Dickens carried a copy with him for years. A History of New York ought be more widely read and appreciated than it is today. It’s a real classic of American literature and belongs up on the top shelf with the likes of Moby Dick and Huckleberry Finn, etc.
PS: Make sure to read the original text (such as found in the Penguin or Library of America editions). Apparently, Irving toned things down a bit in later versions.
Published in 1809, the young Irving’s book is a satirical novel/history of the Dutch New Netherlands, ostensibly written by a crotchety old fellow named Diedrich Knickerbocker – and printed by his former landlord after the author mysteriously disappeared while still owing a considerable amount of rent. Irving himself engaged in a sort of viral marketing campaign for A History of New York, writing missing person notices for Knickerbocker in several New York papers prior to publication.
Knickerbocker’s “history” of New York begins with the creation of the world, of course. It moves on to the origin of species and the peopling of Earth, then jumps right into the “discovery” of the New World by Europeans (especially Henry Hudson). There’s a fantastic, biting chapter on the ethics of colonization and relations with the Indians. The bulk of the history, however, has to do with the gloriously comical reigns of the three Dutch governors of The New Netherlands. There’s a lot of inside-baseball for people familiar with the politics of New York in Irving’s own day, but unfamiliarity in no way detracts from enjoyment of the book.
A History of New York is hilarious, and terrifically entertaining. There’s nothing quite like it in early American literature. Looking for comparisons, I can only turn to Tom Jones, Tristram Shandy, and maybe Rabelais. Supposedly Byron and Dickens, among others, were huge fans of this book. I read that Dickens carried a copy with him for years. A History of New York ought be more widely read and appreciated than it is today. It’s a real classic of American literature and belongs up on the top shelf with the likes of Moby Dick and Huckleberry Finn, etc.
PS: Make sure to read the original text (such as found in the Penguin or Library of America editions). Apparently, Irving toned things down a bit in later versions.
December 13, 2022
Historians, philosophers, politicians, lawyers, and Yankees are but a few who receive the ire of Diedrich Knickerbocker, the presumed author of this history of Dutch New York.
But Knickerbocker is a narrator and character created by Washington Irving (as early audiences didn't necessarily know). That makes the satire of the book quite a bit more complicated -- we can see that Knickerbocker often makes himself ridiculous, and the reader has a fun but unsolvable riddle in store in working out where the intention truly lies.
First, Knickerbocker wastes the reader's time with a lengthy chapter on theories about the origin of the cosmos, solar system, and North America, as many more historians of cities ought to. After a short digression on Henry Hudson's voyages (which he doesn't explain because all his readers surely already know about all that, seeing as it's the start of the story), the rest of the book follows the fortunes of the New Amsterdam administrations of Wouter Van Twiller, William the Testy, and Peter Stuyvesant.
Irving's offbeat approach, then, fits its subject matter as a history about early New York: is history as a subject and a practice any clearer, particularly in this mercantile isle bought for 60 guilders? The idea seems to be like that of the Sketchbook story, "Stratford-on-Avon:" however grim, shaky, or stupid, history deserves our innocent fascination so long as it delights.
One chapter cuts seems to cut across the mazes: irony be damned, Irving cannot stomach what European settlers did to the natives, and the humor gets rather apocalyptic as Knickerbocker sarcastically explains all the reasons why they deserved extermination.
This book's silly names, gentle ribbing, and amusing incidents do get dull. This is not a hidden proto-postmodern masterpiece of American literature -- or at least not one I'd recommend anyone rush out and buy. I was reminded, though, of Mason & Dixon and The Sot-weed Factor. I am beginning to feel that all of the experimentation, complexity, and invention we prize in contemporary fiction is only the echo of earlier, healthier literature which had less to prove. Literary possibilities have not grown, they've shrunk -- or perhaps inflated.
But Knickerbocker is a narrator and character created by Washington Irving (as early audiences didn't necessarily know). That makes the satire of the book quite a bit more complicated -- we can see that Knickerbocker often makes himself ridiculous, and the reader has a fun but unsolvable riddle in store in working out where the intention truly lies.
First, Knickerbocker wastes the reader's time with a lengthy chapter on theories about the origin of the cosmos, solar system, and North America, as many more historians of cities ought to. After a short digression on Henry Hudson's voyages (which he doesn't explain because all his readers surely already know about all that, seeing as it's the start of the story), the rest of the book follows the fortunes of the New Amsterdam administrations of Wouter Van Twiller, William the Testy, and Peter Stuyvesant.
Irving's offbeat approach, then, fits its subject matter as a history about early New York: is history as a subject and a practice any clearer, particularly in this mercantile isle bought for 60 guilders? The idea seems to be like that of the Sketchbook story, "Stratford-on-Avon:" however grim, shaky, or stupid, history deserves our innocent fascination so long as it delights.
One chapter cuts seems to cut across the mazes: irony be damned, Irving cannot stomach what European settlers did to the natives, and the humor gets rather apocalyptic as Knickerbocker sarcastically explains all the reasons why they deserved extermination.
This book's silly names, gentle ribbing, and amusing incidents do get dull. This is not a hidden proto-postmodern masterpiece of American literature -- or at least not one I'd recommend anyone rush out and buy. I was reminded, though, of Mason & Dixon and The Sot-weed Factor. I am beginning to feel that all of the experimentation, complexity, and invention we prize in contemporary fiction is only the echo of earlier, healthier literature which had less to prove. Literary possibilities have not grown, they've shrunk -- or perhaps inflated.
May 30, 2022
Este libro prueba dos verdades universales: La primera es que, por más que te guste un autor (y en mi caso, conecto mucho con Washington Irving) no tienen por qué gustarte todas sus obras, ni ser todas merecedoras de cinco estrellas. La segunda, es que el humor es algo difícilmente extrapolable, no solo geográficamente sino temporalmente. Y es que la primera novela de Irving va dirigida a un público muy concreto, los habitantes de NYC de principios del siglo XIX. Y prácticamente todas las referencias y chistes que en ese lugar y en ese momento tenían sentido, hoy se quedan en tierra de nadie.
A esto hay que añadir que su vocación didáctica de recoger la historia de la ciudad se queda muy corta para el lector contemporáneo porque únicamente cubre la etapa de dominación holandesa. Eso no quita que con ella haya aprendido detalles culturales interesantes pero en general se me quedó a medio gas.
Eso sí, este libro merece la fama que tiene por dos motivos principalmente. El primero es la genialidad con la que fue vendido, ya que el autor convenció a la población neoyorquina de que su seudónimo era un hombre que existió de verdad y que el libro son sus propios apuntes publicados contra su voluntad para saldar una deuda.
La segunda, es su valor fundacional de la identidad neoyorquina. A él le debemos referencias culturales como el equipo de baloncesto de los New York Knicks, el término de Gotham City para referirse a ella (de la que surge el nombre de la ciudad de Batman) y hasta el culto a Santa Klaus. Yo leí este libro dentro mi #RutaWashingtonIrving, con la que pretendo leer los principales hitos de su producción literaria, pero no se lo recomendaría a lectores que no sean tan fans del autor como yo o que busquen una historia de NYC más completa.
RESEÑA COMPLETA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYQ3T...
A esto hay que añadir que su vocación didáctica de recoger la historia de la ciudad se queda muy corta para el lector contemporáneo porque únicamente cubre la etapa de dominación holandesa. Eso no quita que con ella haya aprendido detalles culturales interesantes pero en general se me quedó a medio gas.
Eso sí, este libro merece la fama que tiene por dos motivos principalmente. El primero es la genialidad con la que fue vendido, ya que el autor convenció a la población neoyorquina de que su seudónimo era un hombre que existió de verdad y que el libro son sus propios apuntes publicados contra su voluntad para saldar una deuda.
La segunda, es su valor fundacional de la identidad neoyorquina. A él le debemos referencias culturales como el equipo de baloncesto de los New York Knicks, el término de Gotham City para referirse a ella (de la que surge el nombre de la ciudad de Batman) y hasta el culto a Santa Klaus. Yo leí este libro dentro mi #RutaWashingtonIrving, con la que pretendo leer los principales hitos de su producción literaria, pero no se lo recomendaría a lectores que no sean tan fans del autor como yo o que busquen una historia de NYC más completa.
RESEÑA COMPLETA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYQ3T...
October 23, 2023
Eine schwere Geburt 😉😅buhhh endlich geschafft. Ich habe mich noch nie so schwer getan ein Buch zu beenden. Aber trotz allem hat es sich gelohnt durch zu halten.
Am schwersten fiel mir die alte deutsche Sprache und sehr alte deutsche Rechtschreibung.
So nun kurz worum es hier geht. Es geht um die Holländer welche zwischen Anfang und Mitte des 17. Jahrhunderts sich an der Ostküste Amerikas niederließen und Neu Amsterdam gründeten und dieses schließlich von den Briten eingenommen wurde. Diese nannten es wie heute noch New York. (Eroberung im Auftrag vom Herzog von York).
Es war wirklich sehr amüsant zu lesen wie die Holländer von ihrem Erscheinungsbild und Charakter beschrieben wurden.
Am schwersten fiel mir die alte deutsche Sprache und sehr alte deutsche Rechtschreibung.
So nun kurz worum es hier geht. Es geht um die Holländer welche zwischen Anfang und Mitte des 17. Jahrhunderts sich an der Ostküste Amerikas niederließen und Neu Amsterdam gründeten und dieses schließlich von den Briten eingenommen wurde. Diese nannten es wie heute noch New York. (Eroberung im Auftrag vom Herzog von York).
Es war wirklich sehr amüsant zu lesen wie die Holländer von ihrem Erscheinungsbild und Charakter beschrieben wurden.
October 6, 2016
La prosa satírica del siglo XIX tiene un buen ejemplo en este libro de Washington Irving. Elabora una "mitología" sobre la historia de la dominación holandesa de Manhattan. Divertida a ratos, en otros un esteticismo excesivo hace que el avance de la narración se atasque.
En todo caso, es interesante y entretenido.
En todo caso, es interesante y entretenido.
January 4, 2012
This book is incredibly funny! I hadn't read any Washington Irving in years but clearly, it's time to revisit his work.
April 12, 2021
If you’re looking for a hard and fast factual account of New York and the areas immediately surrounding the metropolis, this is probably not the book for you.
However, if you want a slice in time, time capsule, full of satire, irreverence and sprinkled with just enough facts to make it entirely believable, this is your jam!
From The Godfather of the American Short Story, the man responsible for coining terms like “knickerbocker” and “Gotham” and the creator of Ichabod Crane, The Headless Horseman 🎃 and the rediscovery of American by one Christopher Columbus, comes a hilarious look at war, politics, modern society and the birth of the one and only New York. His quips, jokes and slander are as relevant and biting today as they most definitely were over 110 years ago.
This is the book that established Washington Irving putting him on the map and the World stage!
However, if you want a slice in time, time capsule, full of satire, irreverence and sprinkled with just enough facts to make it entirely believable, this is your jam!
From The Godfather of the American Short Story, the man responsible for coining terms like “knickerbocker” and “Gotham” and the creator of Ichabod Crane, The Headless Horseman 🎃 and the rediscovery of American by one Christopher Columbus, comes a hilarious look at war, politics, modern society and the birth of the one and only New York. His quips, jokes and slander are as relevant and biting today as they most definitely were over 110 years ago.
This is the book that established Washington Irving putting him on the map and the World stage!
March 8, 2022
Cómo me costó terminar este libro. Horrores.
Esta historia es una sátira de la fundación de Nueva Ámsterdam hasta su conquista por los ingleses.
Dividido en 7 libros, la publicación en sí es una historia aparte. Creo que fue de las primeras técnicas marketing medio guerrillero aplicado.
El primer libro es un bodrio. Y con razón el narrador te invita a saltearlo.
El segundo es la llegada de los holandeses a Nueva Ámsterdam.
El resto cuenta los reinados de 3 personajes, muy distintos entre sí, y las relaciones con los invasores, los ciudadanos, la política, etc.
Tiene data interesante sobre Nueva York, aunque la mezcla de ficción e historia es bastante endeble. La mayor parte es ficción adornada con nombres históricos.
Tiene momentos muy graciosos, y el libro es entretenido cuando agarra ritmo. Sin embargo, por momentos se pone muy explicativo, reiterativo, tiene frases muy barrocas, de 2-3 subordinadas, larguísimas. Capaz hay 4 párrafos para decir que un tipo era cabeza dura. Eso lo vuelve agotador.
Esta historia es una sátira de la fundación de Nueva Ámsterdam hasta su conquista por los ingleses.
Dividido en 7 libros, la publicación en sí es una historia aparte. Creo que fue de las primeras técnicas marketing medio guerrillero aplicado.
El primer libro es un bodrio. Y con razón el narrador te invita a saltearlo.
El segundo es la llegada de los holandeses a Nueva Ámsterdam.
El resto cuenta los reinados de 3 personajes, muy distintos entre sí, y las relaciones con los invasores, los ciudadanos, la política, etc.
Tiene data interesante sobre Nueva York, aunque la mezcla de ficción e historia es bastante endeble. La mayor parte es ficción adornada con nombres históricos.
Tiene momentos muy graciosos, y el libro es entretenido cuando agarra ritmo. Sin embargo, por momentos se pone muy explicativo, reiterativo, tiene frases muy barrocas, de 2-3 subordinadas, larguísimas. Capaz hay 4 párrafos para decir que un tipo era cabeza dura. Eso lo vuelve agotador.
March 4, 2024
If you're looking for a real history of New Amsterdam, look elsewhere. (I'd recommend Russell Shorto's "The Island at the Center of the World"). However if you have enjoyed Irving's gently humorous tales of "Rip Van Winkle" and the "Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and are looking for more in the same vein, then you'll enjoy his apocryphal "History of New York". The work is not only a broad satire of the Dutch era in New York -- foggily understood in Irving's day -- but also of the overblown style of many historians contemporary to the book's writing (1809). This "History of New York", for example, begins with the creation of the world (!). Of course, there are some actual historic episodes and figures around which the narrative revolves, particularly the last three Governors of the Dutch colony. The last of these, Peter Stuyvesant, will be familiar to most, his predecessors Van Twiller and Kieft, much less so. Irving's great creation, the fictional historian (and unreliable narrator) named Knickerbocker who floridly relates New Amsterdam's story, has lent his name to quintessentially New York individuals and organizations ever since. Knickerbocker's mock heroic accounts of the young colony's leaders and struggles for survival are sympathetically, even grandiloquently framed, as one might expect from one who proudly descends from early Dutch settlers -- yet the 'facts' can't help being simultaneously ridiculous in the extreme. Pipe smoking, eating and drinking copiously, and dozing seem to be the only fortes of these proud Mynheers. The Governors themselves are drawn in broad strokes, defined largely by their character flaws: indecision (Van Twiller), a hot temper (Kieft), being headstrong and steely (Stuyvesant).
For the student of New York history, however, there IS some historical value in this work, despite its playing fast and loose with the facts. Irving draws parallels in his history to the contemporary political and social scene, poking wry fun at young America's foibles. Beyond this, much of New York's lore, and New Yorkers' preconceptions of the Dutch origins of their city and of figures like Stuyvesant, derive directly from this work. Irving's first published book, it was wildly popular, in the US and even in Britain, and quickly established his literary reputation. And as wildly popular fictions tend to do, many of its elements entered the vernacular and became popularly entrenched as 'fact'!
For the student of New York history, however, there IS some historical value in this work, despite its playing fast and loose with the facts. Irving draws parallels in his history to the contemporary political and social scene, poking wry fun at young America's foibles. Beyond this, much of New York's lore, and New Yorkers' preconceptions of the Dutch origins of their city and of figures like Stuyvesant, derive directly from this work. Irving's first published book, it was wildly popular, in the US and even in Britain, and quickly established his literary reputation. And as wildly popular fictions tend to do, many of its elements entered the vernacular and became popularly entrenched as 'fact'!
October 9, 2012
When you pick up a written work by Washington Irving, read it and then attempt an evaluation of the whole, it’s a little like critiquing Gennaro Lombardi on how he made pizza or trying to improve upon a Stradivarius violin. It can’t be done, it should not be! One may annotate on such, but not, at any rate review the accomplishment in the strictest sense of the term. Such genius is what it is, and exists to be enjoyed and appreciated by all who may.
There are countless contemporary printings of Irving’s work available; to say nothing of the reprints he himself was responsible for. This particular edition of “Knickerbocker's History of New York” published by the Dodo Press happens to represent Irving at his best; in his purest and most trenchant form; definitely the one to read if you are interested in original verbatim content – the real Irving. He’s known as the Father of American Literature, and, due to the cleverness in which he lays out early American history within this farcical study, he may also be considered the Father of Factional Literature. Another noteworthy attraction of this effort is Irving’s elaborate hoax; the amusing way in which he propagated this opus and the mysterious historian - Diedrich Knickerbocker.
If you love the period in which Irving wrote, and have a fondness for Old New York - you must read this work. Being an avid student of history as well as a diligent advocate of Truth, I especially appreciate the quips by Irving at the New World {so called} which has indeed proved itself, to date, to be no different than any of the old ones.
A worthy read that shows written history for what it is - a tale that is only as genuine as the penner of it is illustrious. Or, perhaps merely exposes the premier purveyors of history for what they truly are; insouciant.
I’ll suffice it to say; everyone should taste New York Pizza, listen to Vivaldi’s Concerto No. 4 in F minor played on a Stradivarius violin, and read Washington Irving at least once in their lifetime.
There are countless contemporary printings of Irving’s work available; to say nothing of the reprints he himself was responsible for. This particular edition of “Knickerbocker's History of New York” published by the Dodo Press happens to represent Irving at his best; in his purest and most trenchant form; definitely the one to read if you are interested in original verbatim content – the real Irving. He’s known as the Father of American Literature, and, due to the cleverness in which he lays out early American history within this farcical study, he may also be considered the Father of Factional Literature. Another noteworthy attraction of this effort is Irving’s elaborate hoax; the amusing way in which he propagated this opus and the mysterious historian - Diedrich Knickerbocker.
If you love the period in which Irving wrote, and have a fondness for Old New York - you must read this work. Being an avid student of history as well as a diligent advocate of Truth, I especially appreciate the quips by Irving at the New World {so called} which has indeed proved itself, to date, to be no different than any of the old ones.
A worthy read that shows written history for what it is - a tale that is only as genuine as the penner of it is illustrious. Or, perhaps merely exposes the premier purveyors of history for what they truly are; insouciant.
I’ll suffice it to say; everyone should taste New York Pizza, listen to Vivaldi’s Concerto No. 4 in F minor played on a Stradivarius violin, and read Washington Irving at least once in their lifetime.
January 15, 2016
This was the most entertaining book I have read in a long time. Washington Irving writes an abundantly clever and creative history of the city to parody a work done by the newly formed NewYorkHistoricalSociety. He chooses as a narrator, Diedrich Knickerbocker, who sees Dutch NY as a whimsical age with heroes befitting an epic. Knickerbocker, himself, is an archetypal character that Stephen Colbert in all his genius can only aspire to mimic. Somehow Irving's satire is a commentary of NYers lack of historical curiosity, pomposity, and nascent nature. While the Headless Horseman and Rip Van Winkle made Irving. This book proves Irving was his age's Mark Twain and in my mind this is Irving's masterpiece. In the end, it is as comic and relevant today as it was 200years ago.
May 31, 2008
This is apparently the first comic American novel ever. I don't know how much of that ended up coloring my view, giving it 4 stars instead of maybe 3. There is definitely some very funny stuff in here - social commentary, fake history, perspectives on history, etc. But I felt the book dragged a bit as it went on - the style, of course, is very different, but also I think the specific satires (take that, President Jefferson) are lost on me as a modern reader. But still, you have to appreciate a book that decides the only proper way to tell the history of New York is to start with the history of the universe.
June 20, 2008
I absolutely adored Irving's burlesque New York history. His explanations about the beginning of the world are very funny, and his observations around the Dutch colonists are quite amusing. Told in the persona of Diedrich Knickerbocker, Irving creates a fictitious view of New York's early times. He also gave the world Knickerbocker himself, a pen name that continues to be an icon. It is a very fun read for NY history buffs, lovers of Irving, and mythology/fables.
January 2, 2010
I was inspired to read this after plowing through Elizabeth Bradley's new book "Knickerbocker," which tracked the influence of Irving's writing on the culture of New York City in the 19th century. In hindsight, I should have just stopped with Bradley. Irving's sense of humor doesn't really translate well across the centuries. On the other hand, I guess if you love Irving's short stories and other tales, you'd love this, too.
March 5, 2018
El propio autor al finalizar el libro dice que es una parodia.
Bueno, justamente esa es la característica que provoca que no me haya gustado.
Para la época en que fue escrita, principios del s. XIX fue muy bien recibida por la crítica.
Hoy, dos siglos después y no conociendo dicha sociedad, no me afecta/no entiendo el tono de comedia sátirica. Cero empatía, cero sonrisa.
Que se le va a hacer...
Bueno, justamente esa es la característica que provoca que no me haya gustado.
Para la época en que fue escrita, principios del s. XIX fue muy bien recibida por la crítica.
Hoy, dos siglos después y no conociendo dicha sociedad, no me afecta/no entiendo el tono de comedia sátirica. Cero empatía, cero sonrisa.
Que se le va a hacer...
August 4, 2010
This is the 1927 Harcourt, Brace And Company, Inc. edition.{this verbatim restoration of the 1809 text includes all appendices up to the final 'AUTHOR'S APOLOGY' appendix from the revised edition, xi-xiv, of 1848 } What a treat to 'thumb and chuckle over by the family fireside.'
March 12, 2018
DNF'd at 50%. I gave it a good solid try but it just wasn't for me. It's not bad enough that I want to give it one star, there were a few interesting and redeeming moments, but not enough for me to sacrifice my reading time to its altar anymore.
October 24, 2007
Dude, this is totally where Dave Eggers got his table of contents format for Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius...
January 4, 2024
ONE OF THE KEY BOOKS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ‘SANTA’ IN AMERICA
NOTE: This review is only pertaining to the references to ‘St. Nicholas’ in this book (which was my main interest in purchasing it).
“And the sage Oloffe dreamed a dream---and lo! The good St. Nicholas came riding over the tops of the trees, in that self-same wagon wherein he brings his yearly presents to children… And he lit his pipe by the fire, and sat himself down and smoked; and as he smoked the smoke from his pipe ascended into the air, and spread like a cloud overhead… And when St. Nicholas had smoked his pipe he twisted it in his hatband, and laying his finger beside his nose, gave the astonished Can Kordlandt a very significant look, then mounting his wagon, he returned over the treetops and disappeared.” (Bk. II, Ch. V)
“… but the sage Oloffe gave them the significant sign of St. Nicholas, laying his finger beside his nose and winking hard with one eye; whereupon his followers perceived that there was something sagacious in the wind.” (Bk. II, Ch. VII)
“our forefathers… were always ready to serve God, after they had first served themselves. Thus, having quietly settled themselves down, and provided for their own comfort, they bethought themselves of testifying their gratitude to the great and good St. Nicholas, for his protecting care in guiding them to this delectable abode. To this end they built a fair and goodly chapel… At this early period was instituted that pious ceremony, still religiously observed in all our ancient families of the right breed, of hanging up a stocking in the chimney on St. Nicholas Eve; which stocking is always found in the morning miraculously filled; for the good St. Nicholas has ever been a great giver of gifts, particularly to children.” (Bk. II, Ch. IX)
“In the proud days of Peter Stuyvesant… the good old Dutch aristocracy loomed out in all its grandeur… he delighted to see the poor and the laboring man rejoice; and for this purpose he was a great promoter of holidays. Under his reign there was a great cracking of eggs at Paas or Easter; Whitsuntide or Pinxter also flourished in all its bloom; and never were stockings better filled on the eve of the blessed St. Nicholas.” (Bk. VII, Ch. II)
“The good old Dutch festivals … were faithfully observed in the mansion of Governor Stuyvesant … Paas and Pinxter scrupulously observed throughout his dominions; nor was the day of St. Nicholas suffered to pass by without making presents, hanging the stocking in the chimney, and complying with all its other ceremonies.” (Bk. VII, Ch. XII)
This book is fun and humorous in its own right; but the book is remembered as well for its recording and recounting of the Dutch legends and traditions about St. Nicholas.
NOTE: This review is only pertaining to the references to ‘St. Nicholas’ in this book (which was my main interest in purchasing it).
“And the sage Oloffe dreamed a dream---and lo! The good St. Nicholas came riding over the tops of the trees, in that self-same wagon wherein he brings his yearly presents to children… And he lit his pipe by the fire, and sat himself down and smoked; and as he smoked the smoke from his pipe ascended into the air, and spread like a cloud overhead… And when St. Nicholas had smoked his pipe he twisted it in his hatband, and laying his finger beside his nose, gave the astonished Can Kordlandt a very significant look, then mounting his wagon, he returned over the treetops and disappeared.” (Bk. II, Ch. V)
“… but the sage Oloffe gave them the significant sign of St. Nicholas, laying his finger beside his nose and winking hard with one eye; whereupon his followers perceived that there was something sagacious in the wind.” (Bk. II, Ch. VII)
“our forefathers… were always ready to serve God, after they had first served themselves. Thus, having quietly settled themselves down, and provided for their own comfort, they bethought themselves of testifying their gratitude to the great and good St. Nicholas, for his protecting care in guiding them to this delectable abode. To this end they built a fair and goodly chapel… At this early period was instituted that pious ceremony, still religiously observed in all our ancient families of the right breed, of hanging up a stocking in the chimney on St. Nicholas Eve; which stocking is always found in the morning miraculously filled; for the good St. Nicholas has ever been a great giver of gifts, particularly to children.” (Bk. II, Ch. IX)
“In the proud days of Peter Stuyvesant… the good old Dutch aristocracy loomed out in all its grandeur… he delighted to see the poor and the laboring man rejoice; and for this purpose he was a great promoter of holidays. Under his reign there was a great cracking of eggs at Paas or Easter; Whitsuntide or Pinxter also flourished in all its bloom; and never were stockings better filled on the eve of the blessed St. Nicholas.” (Bk. VII, Ch. II)
“The good old Dutch festivals … were faithfully observed in the mansion of Governor Stuyvesant … Paas and Pinxter scrupulously observed throughout his dominions; nor was the day of St. Nicholas suffered to pass by without making presents, hanging the stocking in the chimney, and complying with all its other ceremonies.” (Bk. VII, Ch. XII)
This book is fun and humorous in its own right; but the book is remembered as well for its recording and recounting of the Dutch legends and traditions about St. Nicholas.
November 24, 2025
Some books are more interesting to know about than they are to read, and this is one of them. Irving’s historical parody is certainly a significant book. For one, it contributed a word to the English language—the origin of the name of the New York Knicks, as well as a term for women’s undergarments.
The book is also significant for how it was marketed. Essentially, Irving wrote the book under a pseudonym (a pompous historian named Diedrich Knickerbocker) and then perpetuated the hoax that this author had gone mad, wandered off, and left his manuscript in his hotel in lieu of payment. This was quite daring stuff for 1809.
Strangely, this book is also significant for contributing to our modern notions of Christmas, as Irving has a magical St. Nicholas ride across rooftops and descend into chimneys, delivering presents. More generally, Irving here creates a kind of mythology surrounding the Dutch founding of New York, which helped to give the city a sense of history and identity. After all, when this book was first published, New York City didn’t have a fraction of the importance that it does today.
So much can be said for Irving’s book. But it is simply not a rewarding read. For one, it was written as a parody, and so one does not actually learn anything about the history of New York City (though, admittedly, the book is itself historically important). And although contemporary readers found the book hilarious, the humor has not survived the test of time. Frankly, much of the book struck me as strangely pointless—neither funny, nor informative, nor… much of anything. Indeed, Irving has a way of just filling up reams of paper:
And on and on. Yes, it does seem apparent that Irving is not actually a blowhard, but is parodying highfalutin, officious, pompous styles—though reading page after page after page of this stuff is still rather grating. Lucky for him, and for us, that he has left better books for posterity.
The book is also significant for how it was marketed. Essentially, Irving wrote the book under a pseudonym (a pompous historian named Diedrich Knickerbocker) and then perpetuated the hoax that this author had gone mad, wandered off, and left his manuscript in his hotel in lieu of payment. This was quite daring stuff for 1809.
Strangely, this book is also significant for contributing to our modern notions of Christmas, as Irving has a magical St. Nicholas ride across rooftops and descend into chimneys, delivering presents. More generally, Irving here creates a kind of mythology surrounding the Dutch founding of New York, which helped to give the city a sense of history and identity. After all, when this book was first published, New York City didn’t have a fraction of the importance that it does today.
So much can be said for Irving’s book. But it is simply not a rewarding read. For one, it was written as a parody, and so one does not actually learn anything about the history of New York City (though, admittedly, the book is itself historically important). And although contemporary readers found the book hilarious, the humor has not survived the test of time. Frankly, much of the book struck me as strangely pointless—neither funny, nor informative, nor… much of anything. Indeed, Irving has a way of just filling up reams of paper:
There detachments were accordingly drawn up in front of each other, they carried arms and presented arms, they gave the standing salute and the passing salute, they rolled their drums, they flourished their fifes, and they waved their colours; they faced to the left, and they faced to the right, and they faced to the right about; they wheeled forward, and they wheeled backward, and they wheeled into echelon; they marched and they countermarched, by grand divisions, by single divisions, and by subdivisions…
And on and on. Yes, it does seem apparent that Irving is not actually a blowhard, but is parodying highfalutin, officious, pompous styles—though reading page after page after page of this stuff is still rather grating. Lucky for him, and for us, that he has left better books for posterity.
March 2, 2022
Published in 1809...Irving provides a humorous and satiric history of New York from its discovery by Hendrik Hudson through the reign of Peter Stuyvesant.
What really makes it enjoyable are the timeless and universal 'observations' Irving makes, through his pseudonym character Dietrich Knickerbocker, on politics and the men who ruled New Amsterdam during those early years and how not much has changed to the present.
Here is a great line on politics and political parties to give you a flavor of the text:
“And here I would note the great benefit of party distinctions in saving the people at large the trouble of thinking. Hesiod divides mankind into three classes- those who think for themselves, those who think as others think, and those who do not think at all. The second class comprises the great mass of society; for most people require a set creed and a file-leader. Hence the origin of party: which means a large body of people , some few of whom think, and all the rest talk. The former takes the lead and discipline the latter; prescribing what they must say, what they must approve, what they must hoot at, whom they must support, but, above all, whom they must hate; for no one can be a good partisan, who is not a thorough-going hater.”
It gets a little dense at times but there are gems that can be found regarding politics, witches and life in general throughout the text.
What really makes it enjoyable are the timeless and universal 'observations' Irving makes, through his pseudonym character Dietrich Knickerbocker, on politics and the men who ruled New Amsterdam during those early years and how not much has changed to the present.
Here is a great line on politics and political parties to give you a flavor of the text:
“And here I would note the great benefit of party distinctions in saving the people at large the trouble of thinking. Hesiod divides mankind into three classes- those who think for themselves, those who think as others think, and those who do not think at all. The second class comprises the great mass of society; for most people require a set creed and a file-leader. Hence the origin of party: which means a large body of people , some few of whom think, and all the rest talk. The former takes the lead and discipline the latter; prescribing what they must say, what they must approve, what they must hoot at, whom they must support, but, above all, whom they must hate; for no one can be a good partisan, who is not a thorough-going hater.”
It gets a little dense at times but there are gems that can be found regarding politics, witches and life in general throughout the text.
April 15, 2023
Washington Irving’s style isn’t for everyone. As much as I enjoyed this, it was clearly over-written. You have to understand, however, that Irving was inventing American literature and didn’t have much to go on. This is his satyrical take on the history of Manhattan. It is, like many books from the eighteenth century, quite long. It’s also the book that catapulted Irving to fame at the age of twenty-six.
Divided into seven books, A History of New York was consciously launched with a hoax regarding its authenticity. In it he makes fun of just about everyone: the Dutch, historians, politicians of his own day, notable people of New York’s past. Literary scholars have drawn out the many period references he makes, and clearly he was writing for the fun of it. It’s been over two centuries so some of the jokes have gone stale.
As I note elsewhere (Sects and Violence in the Ancient World) some readers seem to think this was a serious history. Irving clearly did research it, but he added in a later edition (included in this printing) his explanation of what he was trying to do in his youth. My only real complaint with this edition is that it doesn’t say whether it is Irving’s revised (toned down) version or the original of 1809. It is convenient, however, and as usual Elizabeth Bradley adds value in her introduction and notes.
Divided into seven books, A History of New York was consciously launched with a hoax regarding its authenticity. In it he makes fun of just about everyone: the Dutch, historians, politicians of his own day, notable people of New York’s past. Literary scholars have drawn out the many period references he makes, and clearly he was writing for the fun of it. It’s been over two centuries so some of the jokes have gone stale.
As I note elsewhere (Sects and Violence in the Ancient World) some readers seem to think this was a serious history. Irving clearly did research it, but he added in a later edition (included in this printing) his explanation of what he was trying to do in his youth. My only real complaint with this edition is that it doesn’t say whether it is Irving’s revised (toned down) version or the original of 1809. It is convenient, however, and as usual Elizabeth Bradley adds value in her introduction and notes.
May 17, 2021
Irving provides us with a witty and accurate picture of the manner in which the events of history - in this case American - are in many cases "accidental" rather than "purposeful", and only later are endowed with features to make events greater than they are. His comments on the recruitment of dull witted and pipe smoking individuls for political office offers a satirical glance, which upon reflection is more true than one cares to admit. In other words, there is no noble motive, but who has the time to occupy the chair. He shows us that there is a great disconnect in many cases between leaders and those they serve; that wars erupt out of ego and the need for power and control. It took awhile for me to finish, but My liking for the volume grew as I read through it. Recommended for those who like Irving and for those who like historical forms of satire.
February 26, 2022
Knickerbocker's History of New York is a book of humor written by Washington Irving. It is a humorous take on the history of the Dutch colony of New Netherlands and the city of New Amsterdam from it's founding to the take over by the British and the renaming of the colony and city to New York. The supposed author Diedrich Knickerbocker centers the story on the last Dutch governor of New Netherland Peter Stuyvesant and his friend Antony the trumpeter. Peter and Anthony seem to be a take on Don Quijote and Sancho Panza. The book is a bit too long I think but parts are truly amusing and entertaining. Now I think I need to read a real history of the Dutch in New York.
October 6, 2020
This book is a fun read, in an inside joke sort of way. Obviously, having the benefit of time, it's quite obvious that this book is fiction, but I'm not so sure that was clear when it came out. Admittedly, I did find myself wishing it would move a bit quicker at some points, given that it was presented in olde english.
March 14, 2024
Washington Irving, AKA Diedrich Knickerbocker, plays fast and loose with history, including sections of comedy and satire, including Knickerbocker itself a fictional name of the narrator, using poetic philosophy to reveal the goings on of Peter Stuyvesant and others who are attempting to colonize Manhattan as a Dutch settlement. Very entertaining.
August 12, 2024
A novel which has gotten lost over the years. And maybe getting forgotten along with it is the author, Washington Irving a part of US literary history. Besides Sleepy Hollow and Rip V Winkle, what else did WI write ? Answer: ' a lot' and most of it is very good !
Mark Twain's sense of humor and ability by an author who preceded MT by 40 years......
Mark Twain's sense of humor and ability by an author who preceded MT by 40 years......
September 12, 2024
Incredibly funny and an enjoyable read, Irving's clever style and satire keep this book timeless. However, it was so dense with nonsense that, though enjoyable, it felt a slog at times to get through and I severely procrastinated reading it.
That being said, Knickerbocker will hold a place for me as one of the greatest historians of his, and all, time.
That being said, Knickerbocker will hold a place for me as one of the greatest historians of his, and all, time.
December 26, 2024
Four satirical renderings of the founding of New York City by the Dutch including The Settlement of New York, The Golden Reign of Wouter Van Twiller, The Reign of William the Testy, and The Reign of Peter Stuyvesant with illustrations by FOC Darley. The edition I read was printed in 1886 by the J. B. Lippincott Company.
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