A History of New York, From the Beginning of the World to the End of the Dutch Dynasty

by Diedrich Knickerbock

Excerpt from A History of New York, From the Beginning of the World to the End of the Dutch Dynasty

Such was the happy reign of Wouter Van Twiller, celebrated in many a long-forgotten song as the real golden age, the rest being nothing but counterfeit copper-washed coin. In that delight ful period, a sweet and holy calm reigned over the whole province. The burgomaster smoked his pipe in peace; the substantial solace of his domestic cares, after her daily toils were done, sat soberly at the door, with her arms crossed over her apron of snowy white, without being insulted with ribald street-walkers or vagabond boys, Â those unlucky urchins who do so infest our streets, displaying, under the roses of youth, the thorns and briers of iniquity. Then it was that the lover with ten breeches, and the damsel with petticoats of half a score, indulged in all the innocent endearments of virtuous love, without fear and without reproach (for what had that virtue to fear, which was defended by a shield of good linsey-woolseys, equal at least to the seven bull-hides of the invincible Ajax?

529 pages, Paperback

First published June 17, 2004

Reviews

[Logan M]

crazy to me that this one isn't better known. funny as hell for what it is. probably very few other writers 1809 who'd include a scene where aliens try to kidnap napoleon and get earth women addicted to nitrous oxide

[Reynold Witmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

First let me say, this isn't the same edition I read. I found a 1928 edition that was edited by Anne Carroll Moore, and illustrated by James Daugherty. It's an wonderful book, far better than any other edition I've seen.
About Washington Irving, and the Knickerbocker's history. Scholars can confirm how much if this history is true, but that isn't the point of this book. Washington Irving set out to portray the Dutch people of his world, the originator of the legends his writings popularized (legend of sleepy hollow, e.g.) Its a caricature, its a satire, its whopping pack of affectionate teasings of the people of New Amsterdam. Understandably, this book delighted its audience and offended its target when it was published in 1809.
Washington Irvings writing style here seems v formative (my opinion here) of the American humorist style perpetrated by Mark Twain a few decades later, and still around today. All in all, its a delightful book to read and laugh at, in the category of Herriot, Wodehouse, a Twain.