(1783-1859) American writer. Washington Irving's pseudonyms included: Dietrich Knickerbocker, Jonathan Oldstyle, and Geoffrey Crayon. Washington Irving was a short story writer, famous for works like "Rip Van Winkle" and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." These works were both a part of "The Sketch Book," a collection of short stories. Washington Irving has been called the father of the American short story because of his unique contributions to the form.
Check out classiclit.about.com
Check out classiclit.about.com