Washington Irving was born in New York City on April 3, 1783. Named after General Washington and born days before the end of the Revolutionary War, his birth coincided with that of the Republic. The America of Irving’s youth was filled with optimism and possibility. In his lifetime, Irving was wildly popular and cemented his reputation as the foremost American novelist with his distinctive tone and originality. His most notable short works, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Rip Van Winkle are considered classics of American literature. In 1958, the trustees of the Glen Cove Public Library purchased Washington Irving’s mahogany bookcase from the estate of Charles T. Vincent, a local book and antique dealer. It currently holds the oldest books from the Library’s collection and is prominently displayed in the Robert R. Coles Long Island History Room.
Washington Irving
Distinctive American Novelist (1783 - 1859)
Washington Irving - Library of Congress
Washington Irving's Bookcase
American Mahogany Bookcase, Mid-19th century In two parts; flat pediment with central raised section, above three ogee glazed mullion doors enclosing shelves over three short drawers, the lower case of later date enclosing four short drawers above a valance apron, round knobs.
Provenance
This document traces the ownership of Washington Irving's bookcase from his brother John Treat Irving, to William Mudge Weeks, Elias J. Beach, James Buchanan Pearsall, Charles H. Barrett, to Charles T. Vincent. The bookcase was purchased by the Library Trustees from the Estate of Mrs. Vincent in 1958, and has since remained in the Robert R. Coles Long Island History Room.
John Treat Irving Jr. Lawyer and Writer (1812-1906)
John Treat Irving Jr., nephew of Washington Irving was a long time resident of Glen Cove's Red Spring Colony. Although trained as a lawyer, he is mostly remembered for his literary works, many of which are lauded by scholars for their cultural significance. Indian Sketches was published in 1835 following a westward tour similar to the surveying trip undertaken by his famous uncle two years prior into Indian territory (now the state of Oklahoma). Other works include Hawk Chief, The Attorney, Henry Harson, and The Van Gelder Papers. https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=nyp.33433022847838&view=1up&seq=9&skin=2021