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An American Original

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This biography of Washington Irving caught my eye.  It came out in 2008.  Judging from this short review by Walter Russell Mead, it covers a lot of Irving's political history.  Of course, Irving is known for his great literary contributions, which could make for a fun read.

Comments

  1. TripplerNovember 14, 2012 at 5:20 PM

    This book will be added to my wish list ....

    ReplyDelete
  2. James FergusonNovember 15, 2012 at 7:58 AM

    Yes, I too am adding it.

    ReplyDelete
  3. avrdsNovember 15, 2012 at 3:40 PM

    This book looks fascinating. I can't commit but maybe the two of you could read it?

    ReplyDelete
  4. James FergusonNovember 15, 2012 at 4:24 PM

    I certainly would be game to read this book. Irving has always fascinated me, and it sounds like a good biography.

    ReplyDelete
  5. JAbelNovember 17, 2012 at 6:37 AM

    I might have to pick this up.Looks good.

    ReplyDelete
  6. James FergusonNovember 17, 2012 at 11:03 AM

    I ordered the book. At 3 pounds it was hard to pass up. Also ordered the first LoA collection of Irving's work, which includes his amusing history of New York,

    http://www.gutenberg.org/files/13042/13042-h/13042-h.htm

    ReplyDelete
  7. TripplerNovember 25, 2012 at 6:44 PM

    I got a note from the library - the book is in transit. Hopefully will arrive on Tuesday as this is when the Bookmobile stops directly in front of the building I live in.

    Looks like an excellent choice for a group discussion.

    ReplyDelete
  8. James FergusonDecember 6, 2012 at 12:15 PM

    I bumped up the start date to Dec. 15 as I still haven't received my copy.

    ReplyDelete
  9. James FergusonDecember 13, 2012 at 9:10 PM

    Trip, the book appears lost in the mail. It was supposed to have arrived on the 4th, but there remains no sign of it. I won't be able to get another copy before the New Year. So, if you are still game, we can discuss it in January.

    ReplyDelete
  10. TripplerDecember 15, 2012 at 9:06 PM

    Ah - was wondering why the discussion hadn't started.

    I'll have to return the book to the library by then but I'll try to keep a few notes so I can make some additions to our exchange.

    ReplyDelete
  11. James FergusonDecember 19, 2012 at 10:55 PM

    Surprise, surprise, the book turned up today. I want to wrap up The Brothers K first and then I will start in on Irving after Christmas. Can start the discussion on Jan. 1 if you like, Trip?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. TripplerDecember 25, 2012 at 3:26 PM

      Oops, hadn't noticed your reply. Jan 10 is a better starting date, esp since it's the Holidays and many are likely to be busy with year end activities.

      Delete
  12. James FergusonDecember 27, 2012 at 2:15 PM

    I started the book, Trip. Can't say I'm overly enthralled with Jones' writing style. It's like a history book for grade school children. Curious to hear your impressions?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. TripplerDecember 30, 2012 at 5:35 PM

      I'm also not enthralled with the book. Difficult to point out just exactly how the writer fails - interesting characters in the book but the author makes them look kinda dry or uninteresting. I'm up to p 300. Would have finished it by now except there has been a lot of late season sports online & on tv.

      Delete
  13. James FergusonDecember 30, 2012 at 6:14 PM

    That's my impression too. Will persevere. I think it is best to discuss Washington Irving in general and not focus too much on the biography itself.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. James FergusonDecember 30, 2012 at 6:16 PM

      Maybe we could take up Irving's History of New York,

      http://www.gutenberg.org/files/13042/13042-h/13042-h.htm

      volume I anyway.

      Delete

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