Washington Irving's Critique of American Culture: Sketching a Vision of World Citizenship

Washington Irving's Critique of American Culture challenges the portrayal of him as writing in the 18th-century style of Addison and Goldsmith without much substance and being insufficiently American. The author argues that Irving addressed the American cultural context extensively, articulated an ethic of world citizenship, and embraced cultural diversity. He was a liminal figure straddling Romantic and neoclassical modes of writing and acting, and his work expresses a critique of cultural loss and environmental destruction. The interdisciplinary approach of the work sheds light on an underestimated writer.

Format: Hardback
Length: 218 pages
Publication date: 24 June 2021
Publisher: Lexington Books

Washington Irving's Critique of American Culture challenges long-standing views of the renowned writer. Often portrayed as writing in the 18th-century style of Addison and Goldsmith, without much original substance, Irving has faced accusations of being insufficiently American and grappling with an identity crisis. However, the author argues that Irving delved deeply into the American cultural context, showcasing his talent as a writer of substance who articulated an ethic of world citizenship rooted in the philosophy of ancient Greek Cynics and Stoics. This ethic was seamlessly united with a passion for picturesque travel, emphasizing the variety and richness of experiences, resulting in an extraordinary affirmation of the value of cultural diversity in the young Republic.

Irving's literary prowess extended to the pictorial mode, where he excelled. Moreover, he expressed a poignant critique of cultural loss and environmental destruction, akin to the concerns articulated by the artist Thomas Cole. This work adopts an interdisciplinary approach, drawing insights from philosophy, religion, art history, and social history to shed light on an underestimated writer. By examining Irving's work within this broader context, readers gain a deeper understanding of his contributions to American literature and culture.

Weight: 494g
Dimension: 228 x 162 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793619617