A History of New York - A Satirical Chronicle of New York's Colorful Past

Washington Irving

Summary

In "A History of New York," Washington Irving employs a satirical and humorous narrative style to explore the early history and whimsical character of New Amsterdam, the Dutch settlement that would eventually become New York City. Written in the guise of a fictional historian, Diedrich Knickerbocker, Irving blends historical facts with inventive anecdotes and comic exaggeration, providing a rich tapestry of colonial life. This work reflects the early 19th-century American fascination with establishing a unique national identity, utilizing the past to shape contemporary understandings of American culture and politics. Washington Irving, an eminent figure of American literature, was deeply influenced by his travels and the nascent American ethos during the post-Revolutionary period. His keen interest in the folklore and history of New York, combined with his European experiences, culminated in this remarkable work. Irving's innovative style and pioneering spirit not only cemented his place as one of America's first great writers but also inspired subsequent generations to delve into historical narrative. "A History of New York" is essential reading for anyone interested in the roots of American culture, humor, and identity. Irving'Äôs witty and engaging storytelling invites readers to experience the founding moments of one of the world'Äôs greatest cities, making this book a delightful exploration of both history and literature.

Available since: 12/28/2023.

Print length: 358 pages.

Humanities & Social Sciences

Other books that might interest you

May I Call You Mistress?

Ruby Scott

May I Call You Mistress? is the first book in the spicy lesbian romance series entitled An Awakening of Desire, and is a winner of the LESFIC BARD AWARDS EROTICA NOVELLA of the year.
If the woman who filled your teenage sexual fantasies walked back into your life seventeen years later, more beautiful and bolder than you thought possible, would you be able to resist?
In this steamy sapphic romance, professional photographer Abby Mason's world turns upside down when a last-minute job reunites her with Victoria Fraser - her sister's former piano teacher and her teenage crush. Their age gap means nothing now that they're both adults, but Victoria's involvement in the BDSM lifestyle opens Abby's eyes to possibilities she never imagined. As their second chance at connection unfolds, Victoria introduces Abby to a world of dominance and submission, where trust and consent are as crucial as desire.
When Victoria makes it clear that the right to call her your "Mistress" must be earned, Abby finds herself drawn deeper into a journey of sensual discovery. Their explicit FF encounters grow more intense as Abby explores her submissive nature under Victoria's experienced guidance. But in this sophisticated lesbian romance, nothing is simple - Victoria has exacting standards, and Abby must prove herself worthy of surrender.
Filled with passion, tension, and the delicate balance of power exchange, "May I Call You Mistress?" is an unforgettable sapphic erotica audiobook that delves deep into what it truly means to trust, submit, and ultimately love, and is the gateway into the full sensual An Awakening of Desire Series. Perfect for listeners who enjoy their romance with a dash of dominance and a helping of heart.

Show book

Dark Psychology - How to See...

Wesley Felt

Many believe that the most successful people in the world have mastered the ability to use their minds to attract what they desire. Imagine being able to draw what you want most into your life effortlessly, without having to take direct action. Imagine being able to manifest your goals and desires through the discipline of your thoughts. 
  
Everything begins with thoughts, which most people don’t fully grasp, as actions are rooted in these ideas. Before diving into the methods that harness the power of the mind, it’s important to ask: What is the subconscious mind? 
  
The subconscious is a part of the mind that, while not fully conscious, influences a person’s actions and feelings. Some view the subconscious as connected to the spirit or soul, capable of shaping your reality based on the messages it receives from your actions and beliefs. 
  
If this is true, then it’s crucial to examine your subconscious mind and consider what you truly want. However, this is easier said than done. The complexities of life and the mix of positive and negative experiences make it difficult to control what is fed to the subconscious mind.

Show book

Voyagers - Biographies about...

Kelly Mass

This book consists of 4 books that are about the following topics:
Ernest Shackleton - Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton was an Anglo-Irish polar explorer whose remarkable journeys cemented his place among the most important figures of the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration. Shackleton's story is one of daring, leadership, and resilience, traits that made him a legendary figure in the annals of exploration.
Marco Polo - Marco Emilio Polo, born in Venice, was a Venetian merchant, explorer, and writer who became renowned for his extraordinary travels across Asia between 1271 and 1295. His journey, which spanned much of the Silk Road, was chronicled in The Travels of Marco Polo, also known as Book of the Marvels of the World and Il Milione (circa 1300).
The Pilgrims - The Pilgrims, also known as the Pilgrim Fathers, were a group of English settlers who made the historic journey across the Atlantic on the Mayflower and founded the Plymouth Colony in what is now Plymouth, Massachusetts. The colony was named after the port of Plymouth in England, which had been the final departure point for their voyage. The Pilgrims were part of a religious movement rooted in the Puritan faith, but with distinct beliefs that set them apart from other Puritans at the time.
Vasco da Gama - Vasco da Gama, the 1st Count of Vidigueira, is widely celebrated as the first European to reach India by sea. His landmark journey, which took place from 1497 to 1499, was groundbreaking in that it provided the first direct oceanic connection between Europe and Asia. By navigating around the Cape of Good Hope, located at the southern tip of Africa, da Gama linked the Atlantic and Indian Oceans for the first time, thereby bridging the Western world and the Eastern world. This achievement is considered a pivotal moment in history, marking the beginning of an era of global exploration and the rise of maritime multiculturalism.

Show book

The House of the Dead - A...

Fyodor Dostoevsky, Tim Zengerink

What if the lowest point in life revealed your highest truths? 
The House of the Dead is Fyodor Dostoevsky’s gripping account of life in a Siberian penal colony, based on his own years of imprisonment.  
Through the eyes of a former nobleman turned convict, this deeply personal work unveils a world of brutality, endurance, and unexpected moments of grace. 
What you’ll discover inside: 
- A Firsthand Look at Life in a Tsarist Labor Camp – Vivid details of punishment, survival, and daily hardship. 
- The Psychology of Prisoners and Guards – A powerful exploration of identity, power, and humanity in confinement. 
-Moments of Redemption and Humanity – Even in prison, kindness and courage survive. 
- A Candid Meditation on Crime, Suffering, and Spiritual Growth – Witness the inner transformation of a man stripped of everything. 
Both harrowing and redemptive, this modern translation makes Dostoevsky’s raw insights as immediate and stirring today as they were in the 19th century. 
Start listening now and step inside one of the most soul-stirring prison memoirs ever written.

Show book

Saddam Hussein - Warmonger...

Kelly Mass

Saddam Hussein, the sixth president of Iraq, held power from July 16, 1979, until his downfall on April 9, 2003. A central figure in Iraq's political history, Saddam was a founding member of the Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party, which advocated for a fusion of Arab nationalism and socialism, known as Ba'athism. The party's rise to power in Iraq was marked by the 1968 coup, often referred to as the 17 July Revolution, which saw the Ba'ath Party assume control. Saddam, a key figure in the party, was instrumental in establishing its dominance in Iraq.
Saddam's path to the presidency was shaped by his political astuteness and ruthless consolidation of power. He became vice president under General Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr, who was severely weakened by ill health. At a time when numerous factions within the country threatened to destabilize the government, Saddam focused on building and strengthening the security forces that would enable him to suppress dissent. He carefully navigated the complexities of power struggles between the administration and the military, ensuring his influence over both the party and the state apparatus. His careful maneuvering eventually led to his formal assumption of power in 1979, though he had already been Iraq's de facto leader for several years.
In the early 1970s, Saddam took aggressive steps to nationalize Iraq's most important industries, including the Iraq Petroleum Company and various independent banks. This move, though initially successful in securing Iraq's economic independence, led to long-term financial instability. The nationalization policies, combined with inflation and a series of bad loans, contributed to the eventual collapse of Iraq's financial sector. Nevertheless, Saddam's regime was buoyed by the economic boom fueled by Iraq's oil exports, which provided the government with significant wealth and the ability to fund state projects.

Show book

How to Raise Mentally Strong...

Talia Rowen

Do your days feel like a never-ending cycle of chaos, guilt, and exhaustion? 
Mornings spiral out of control before breakfast is even on the table. Homework time ends in shouting matches. Bedtime turns into a battle of negotiations. And in between, you wonder if you’re failing your child, because nothing you try seems to stick. 
You’re not failing. You just need tools that work in the real world. 
Most parenting books talk in circles, offering vague advice like “be consistent” or “set routines.” This guide is different. It gives you 100 practical strategies, each one short, clear, and ready to use. Every tool is organized by category—routines, school, discipline, self-esteem, social skills, communication, health, technology, family life, and parent well-being—so you can jump straight to the area you need most and put it into practice today.

Show book