American author (1783–1859) best known for his stories ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’ and ‘Rip Van Winkle.’ ALS, one page both sides, 5 x 7.5, no date. Letter to the Honourable Mr. Stanhope. In art, Irving sends someone “who is acquainted with the servants of the house in which I live. He offers…a coach with six mules to go through Aranjuez to Toledo & return on the fourth day for thirty-two dollars. If you have not made a bargain with any other you may find it advisable perhaps to arrange with this one. He may perhaps be induced to take less, though he has already come down from forty dollars.” Second integral page bears an address panel in Irving’s hand. In fine condition, with a couple vertical creases to first page and some scattered light toning. Irving’s Spanish journey marked a crucial turning point for Irving. Bruised by the reception of his recent fiction in America, he went to Madrid simply for a respite, planning to translate some Christopher Columbus letters to earn his keep. The project inspired him to write an English-language biography of the navigator, The History of the Life Capital and Voyages of Christopher Columbus, which proved a great success. Thereafter, he devoted most of his literary labors to writing history instead of fiction. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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