tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103772230302021699.post7048279466023107082..comments2024-03-10T09:24:45.565+02:00Comments on Dispatches from Vilnius: Washington Irving, EsquireJames Fergusonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901612633415337879noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103772230302021699.post-48282630029747919052013-10-09T15:27:16.233+03:002013-10-09T15:27:16.233+03:00My daughter's birthday present. She is a HUGE...My daughter's birthday present. She is a HUGE Henson fan.avrdshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07997163948247445009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103772230302021699.post-46766682935319162602013-10-09T10:30:51.951+03:002013-10-09T10:30:51.951+03:00I see Brian Jay Jones turned to Jim Henson and the...I see Brian Jay Jones turned to Jim Henson and the Muppets,<br /><br />http://brianjayjones.com/book/<br /><br />He will be pitching his new book on The Daily Show this week.James Fergusonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05901612633415337879noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103772230302021699.post-40737626631345881372013-02-15T15:29:22.029+02:002013-02-15T15:29:22.029+02:00I finally made it to the end of the book. I could ...I finally made it to the end of the book. I could only handle one chapter at a time, usually with one or two days between readings. Jones was apparently a political speechwriter and self-proclaimed pop culture junkie before turning to biography. He certainly had no literary flair and didn't seem to get at the heart of Irving.<br /><br />I still can't figure out why all that interest in James Fergusonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05901612633415337879noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103772230302021699.post-13449505012683811512013-02-08T05:54:48.441+02:002013-02-08T05:54:48.441+02:00This is my last post on the subject and it deals w...This is my last post on the subject and it deals with something touched upon in Jones:<br /><br />How Christmas Became Merry [thanks to Irving]<br /><br />http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/25/opinion/nyregionopinions/25LIburstein.html?ref=washingtonirving&_r=0<br /><br /><br /><br />"Nowhere are the roots of Christmas more apparent than in Irving's tales of Oloffe the dreamer. Over Tripplerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16568801152695491482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103772230302021699.post-64110025486528731432013-02-05T19:22:56.633+02:002013-02-05T19:22:56.633+02:00BTW, the Alhambra dates back to the 9th century,
...BTW, the Alhambra dates back to the 9th century,<br /><br />http://www.alhambradegranada.org/en/info/historicalintroduction.asp<br /><br />and was continuously added onto through the 14th century. However, it does seem that Charles V wasn't as kind to the Alhambra as had been Isabella. Fascinating history.James Fergusonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05901612633415337879noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103772230302021699.post-72270936818897333322013-02-05T19:11:04.621+02:002013-02-05T19:11:04.621+02:00Judging from the site, which I visited, the signif...Judging from the site, which I visited, the significant disrepair was mostly the gardens, which have been magnificently restored. The buildings themselves had remained largely intact. There was no serious vandalism done to them over the centuries. It fell into this state largely from disuse. But, it was being kept to some degree during Washington Irving's time there, as he lived within James Fergusonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05901612633415337879noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103772230302021699.post-55679513383549796152013-02-05T18:12:56.271+02:002013-02-05T18:12:56.271+02:00The Alhambra "the entire site fell into signi...The Alhambra "the entire site fell into significant disrepair in the 1700s, and was only placed under protection as an international monument in about 1870. ''<br /><br />http://eastofmalaga.net/2012/05/15/the-alhambra-palace-granada/<br /><br /><br />My understanding from past readings is that with the industrial revolution and the rise of the upper classes, tourism became a big Tripplerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16568801152695491482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103772230302021699.post-30016173018600528902013-02-05T17:00:23.457+02:002013-02-05T17:00:23.457+02:00Moorish architecture served as the inspiration for...Moorish architecture served as the inspiration for the Gothic style, so there had already been widespread acceptance of the buildings throughout Spain. One of my favorites, La Mezquita de Cordoba,<br /><br />http://wafah-elcrisol.blogspot.com/2011/04/la-mezquita-de-cordoba.htmlJames Fergusonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05901612633415337879noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103772230302021699.post-8881714783095494852013-02-05T16:55:10.532+02:002013-02-05T16:55:10.532+02:00Actually, from what I saw and heard, the Spanish t...Actually, from what I saw and heard, the Spanish treated the Alhambra with great respect, largely out of its beauty. The tour guide pointed to one place where Queen Isabella had her crest carved over some Moorish details, but otherwise it is preserved virtually intact.James Fergusonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05901612633415337879noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103772230302021699.post-53600506006085237662013-02-05T16:13:17.128+02:002013-02-05T16:13:17.128+02:00The Spaniards treated the Moriscos with great crue...The Spaniards treated the Moriscos with great cruelty and disdain. Therefore, one would not expect them to embrace the Alhambra as part of their culture. Yet, it remains one of Spain's greatest tourist attractions. Indeed, Spanish-Arabic architecture remains one of the best in the world and influenced the design of many currently used sports arenas. <br /><br />Irving's book looks like a Tripplerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16568801152695491482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103772230302021699.post-83047643900131032992013-02-05T09:47:37.820+02:002013-02-05T09:47:37.820+02:00Very interesting chapter on Irving's time in S...Very interesting chapter on Irving's time in Spain and his work on Columbus, Granada and the Alhambra. What a treat to be able to live in the Alhambra. I visited with the family a few years back and we were all overwhelmed. Such a beautiful place. I bought a copy of Irving's book at the time, which was available at the bookstore there.<br /><br />It was also interesting to me how he James Fergusonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05901612633415337879noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103772230302021699.post-3714747220961728392013-02-02T21:40:35.633+02:002013-02-02T21:40:35.633+02:00I would agree, Trip. There is a decided lack of h...I would agree, Trip. There is a decided lack of how Irving developed as a writer, outside of the influence Sir Walter Scott apparently exerted upon him. There is very little discussion of what he read, much less assimilated into his writing. The only aspect Jones develops is Irving's love for theater. <br /><br />Jones does note a few precedents Irving set, like his collection of James Fergusonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05901612633415337879noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103772230302021699.post-5177879803729555562013-02-02T20:21:48.702+02:002013-02-02T20:21:48.702+02:00Jones starts to discuss how Irving was responsible...Jones starts to discuss how Irving was responsible for creating an American literature identity. He should have discussed just what was held to be that identity prior to and after his works became available. <br /><br />It appears that where Irving really succeeded was in currying favor with British folks and that this is why suddenly American writing became palatable to them. It follows that Tripplerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16568801152695491482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103772230302021699.post-36654255906172553732013-02-02T11:34:48.658+02:002013-02-02T11:34:48.658+02:00It seems the Crayon sketches became a curse moreso...It seems the Crayon sketches became a curse moreso than a blessing for Irving, as he couldn't write enough of them to please readers. Rip Van Winkle and Sleepy Hollow both emerged from these "Sketches," which ran over 7 volumes, with four to five sketches per volume. He was even able to eventually convince John Murray to publish them in London when an initial London printing proved James Fergusonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05901612633415337879noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103772230302021699.post-79749319449944958042013-02-01T18:48:32.830+02:002013-02-01T18:48:32.830+02:00Interesting chapter on the release of his "Cr...Interesting chapter on the release of his "Crayon" sketches, but there is something lacking in the way Jones describes the relationship between Washington and his brothers. As I noted before, Peter was responsible for giving his younger brother entry into the newspapers as well as introducing him to the New York social circle, which helps to explain why Washington was willing to give James Fergusonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05901612633415337879noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103772230302021699.post-59904311690298888282013-02-01T15:18:07.874+02:002013-02-01T15:18:07.874+02:00The old Astor Library:
http://upload.wikimedia.or...The old Astor Library:<br /><br />http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f0/Astor_Library_building_1854.jpg/624px-Astor_Library_building_1854.jpg<br /><br /><br />Irving as appointed as principle trustee because of his great friendship with Astor. He managed it so well that it grew and was ultimately merged with the Lenox Library & Tilden Foundation. Then it evolved into the Tripplerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16568801152695491482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103772230302021699.post-33231326660361793952013-01-30T23:54:37.318+02:002013-01-30T23:54:37.318+02:00Those were fun. I remember the Sleepy Hollow cart...Those were fun. I remember the Sleepy Hollow cartoon, but didn't see the Popeye meets RVW before.James Fergusonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05901612633415337879noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103772230302021699.post-64527598091001649282013-01-30T15:14:08.952+02:002013-01-30T15:14:08.952+02:00Two Hollywood gems:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?...Two Hollywood gems:<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxX66vLSZoQ<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTLHNNaoYiY<br /><br /><br />Irving's stories were a big part of life throughout the land for many decades. Perhaps some day there will be a revival of old style American culture and future generations will enjoy this as much as we did.<br /><br />Though not as popular as in Tripplerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16568801152695491482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103772230302021699.post-85565511653625566782013-01-30T14:08:32.543+02:002013-01-30T14:08:32.543+02:00Enjoyed his meeting with Sir Walter Scott. It see...Enjoyed his meeting with Sir Walter Scott. It seemed a much smaller world back then. Jones conjures up a great image of Scott coming out to greet Irving at Abbotsford. Here is a facsimile of the journal Irving kept at the time, from the John Murray archive,<br /><br />http://digital.nls.uk/jma/gallery/title.cfm?id=65James Fergusonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05901612633415337879noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103772230302021699.post-60363131628940233312013-01-29T22:25:54.890+02:002013-01-29T22:25:54.890+02:00Did I say "stained"???
Oops, sorry - me...Did I say "stained"???<br /><br />Oops, sorry - meant "strained". <br /><br />Just getting old & can't avoid all the misspellings & malaprops just like Harry Caray. It's tough to get old, gosh darn it ...Tripplerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16568801152695491482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103772230302021699.post-32264785515908843722013-01-29T18:12:46.557+02:002013-01-29T18:12:46.557+02:00James Fenimore Cooper:
Irving's relationship...James Fenimore Cooper:<br /><br /><br />Irving's relationship with JFC was strained to say the least. At first, he succeeded in getting some of Cooper's works published in England. This involved some intense negotiation with John Murray who, evidently, was not always of a friendly sort. Years later, Cooper praised Irving for succeeding in getting the rights to produce bios of Columbus Tripplerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16568801152695491482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103772230302021699.post-59843419337782405042013-01-28T17:38:00.896+02:002013-01-28T17:38:00.896+02:00Irving as diplomat in Spain:
The once "grea...Irving as diplomat in Spain:<br /><br /><br />The once "great" Spanish empire was crumbling as Libertadores such as Simon Bolivar & Jose de San Martin fought off the Spanish imperialists. Similarly, liberators in Brazil fought off Portuguese imperialists. Both used former slaves to help in their efforts to ward off the Europeans. The wars limited the two nation's credit standingTripplerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16568801152695491482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103772230302021699.post-62319818931512879272013-01-28T15:56:28.480+02:002013-01-28T15:56:28.480+02:00Irving was noted for his witty characters and plo...Irving was noted for his witty characters and plots. But he was also a great sentimentalist. His biographical writing of Margaret Miller Davidson is an example. Not only did he write a book on her brief life and works, he insured that all profits from royalties would be used to benefit her family. <br /><br />I was intrigued by this and did a bit of research for more information. Turns out Tripplerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16568801152695491482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103772230302021699.post-39687783506942916722013-01-28T11:35:38.002+02:002013-01-28T11:35:38.002+02:00I find myself enjoying the book much more in the m...I find myself enjoying the book much more in the middle chapters. I guess largely because I knew nothing of this period in England and Europe. There most have been a lot of disguised tension between the brothers, as Washington found himself having to bail out his brother Peter who allowed the trading business to flounder badly in Liverpool. But, Washington seems to keep a sense of humor in hisJames Fergusonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05901612633415337879noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103772230302021699.post-49434885931650077232013-01-27T22:53:02.847+02:002013-01-27T22:53:02.847+02:00Like our friend Robert Whelan and myself, Irving ...Like our friend Robert Whelan and myself, Irving was fascinated by the history of Spain. While there, he wrote three books on its history:<br /><br />The Alhambra<br /><br />Life & Voyages of Columbus<br /><br />Legends of the Conquests of Spain<br /><br /><br />Because of his renown, status as diplomat, and knowledge of Spanish, he was given access to historical records in order to write Tripplerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16568801152695491482noreply@blogger.com