The Washington Irving Library
Books & Literature
About
Welcome, kind listener, to The Washington Irving Library - a quiet corner of the modern world where old tales wander freely once more. Here are gathered the sketches, legends, and curious histories of America’s earliest storyteller, read in full and unhurried, as though beside a hearth on an autumn evening. From the misty hollows of the Hudson Valley to the rambling pages of forgotten journals, each episode invites you to linger awhile in the company of dreamers, schoolmasters, travellers, and ghosts both merry and melancholy. This library stands ever open, its lamp lit, its pages turning, and its stories ready to be heard anew.
Episodes
- Knickerbocker's History of New York Vol. 1 Introduction
This episode explores the early life and family background of Washington Irving, recounting his spirited nature, youthful adventures, travels, and health challenges. It highlights the influence of his parents' piety and affection during th…
- Astoria Appendix
This episode discusses the historical trade with Indian tribes, highlighting the dominance of Canadian merchants backed by British capital. It also covers Mr. Astor's request for Congressional support to ensure this commerce benefits the R…
- Astoria Chapter 60
Chapter 60 of Astoria details the unexpected arrival of a British sloop at Astoria, causing concern for the American proprietors and their Indigenous allies. The chieftain Comcomly leads his warriors in a measured response to the changing…
- Astoria Chapter 61
Chapter 61 of The Washington Irving Library recounts the final fortunes of the Astoria establishment and its adventurers, detailing the shifting landscape of fur-trading enterprises amid political and commercial rivalry. The episode also r…
- Astoria Chapter 58
This episode covers Mr. Hunt's difficult acceptance of abandoning the Astoria enterprise and his subsequent voyage across the Pacific, where he encounters storms and the looming conflict of war. It also details the tragic fate of the Lark…
- Astoria Chapter 59
Chapter 59 of Astoria details the arrival of Mr. M’Tavish’s party at Astoria, resulting in a tense encounter and negotiations for the post’s transfer. The dealings between Messrs. M’Dougal and M’Tavish are marked by suspicion and culminate…
- Astoria Chapter 57
Chapter 57 details a visit to a Russian fur-trading colony at New Archangel, highlighting the governor's rule and Mr. Hunt's business dealings. The episode also covers the troubled voyage of the Beaver, fraught with delays and setbacks.
- Astoria Chapter 56
Chapter 56 of Astoria describes M’Dougal's strategic marriage to a Chinook princess, blending tribal customs with political considerations. The arrival of a known individual at the river’s mouth offers relief and hope to the settlement.
- Astoria Chapter 55
This episode covers Mr. Astor's efforts to secure government assistance for the Astoria post amid international tensions and British threats. Despite initial positive news from the west, his plans are complicated by naval movements and a b…
- Astoria Chapter 54
In Astoria Chapter 54, the partners confront Mr. M'Dougal's conduct and, facing hardships and mistrust, decide to abandon the settlement within a year. They draft and send a manifesto to outline their situation and future arrangements.
- Astoria Chapter 52
This episode follows Mr. Robert Stuart’s parties beyond the mountains, detailing encounters with the Chipunnish tribe and other groups. The men face hardships, establish trading posts, and deal with theft while traversing rivers, mountains…
- Astoria Chapter 53
In Astoria Chapter 53, the company faces uneasy encounters with local tribes and grapples with the shadow of war and interior hardships. The narrative details the traders' struggles with diplomacy, theft, and justice in an uncertain enviro…
- Astoria Chapter 51
Chapter 51 of Astoria details Mr. Astor's agreement with the Russian Fur Company, securing the American fur trade. The chapter also notes the successful expedition to the Columbia River amidst concerns about war and rival activity.
- Astoria Chapter 50
Chapter 50 details a challenging winter encampment along the Platte River, marked by scarce resources and a modest celebration. The journey resumes in spring with river travel and interactions with Native tribes, concluding with a return t…
- Astoria Chapter 48
This episode follows travellers braving winter and wilderness, tracking Crow Indians, and discovering diverse landscapes from salt plains to volcanic summits. They find sustenance and shelter, ultimately witnessing the spectacle of the "Fi…
- Astoria Chapter 49
In Astoria Chapter 49, travellers facing early winter establish a camp with promises of game, but an unexpected war party's arrival compels them to retreat.
- Astoria Chapter 46
In Astoria Chapter 46, travellers must proceed on foot after losing their horses, navigating a difficult wilderness with challenges like harsh weather and illness, while one member goes off alone.
- Astoria Chapter 47
Chapter 47 of Astoria details the explorers' struggles with hunger and wildlife, including grizzly bears. They encounter harsh terrain but find temporary aid from a band of Snake Indians.
- Astoria Chapter 44
In Astoria Chapter 44, Mr. Stuart's group endures a difficult journey through arid lands, facing thirst and a deceptive guide. They reunite with hardship-worn companions and discover a productive salmon fishery near Caldron Linn, where the…
- Astoria Chapter 45
Chapter 45 of Astoria details a journey through desert and mountain landscapes where travellers encounter Crow Indians. The episode describes tense encounters involving threats, cunning strategies, and the navigation of diplomacy and poten…
- Astoria Chapter 42
The episode details the dispatch of the ship Beaver to support fur trading posts on the northwest coast. After tense signaling, the ship successfully enters the Columbia River.
- Astoria Chapter 43
Chapter 43 of 'Astoria' details the impact of arriving reinforcements, which spur several dangerous expeditions. Robert Stuart is tasked with carrying despatches to New York, navigating treacherous terrain, river rapids, and encounters wit…
- Astoria Chapter 41
Chapter 41 of Astoria follows a small group of pioneers on dangerous expeditions through dangerous rivers and encounters with hostile tribes. Despite frequent pilfering and attacks, their daring and negotiation skills lead to a fortunate r…
- Astoria Chapter 40
This episode explores the native tribes near Astoria, discussing their appearance, customs, social habits, dress, religious beliefs, trading skills, and surprising self-restraint regarding spirits.
- Astoria Chapter 39
Chapter 39 of Astoria describes the winter at Astoria, noting scarce game but anticipating abundant fish like uthlecan and salmon, crucial for local Indigenous peoples and trade. It also details the region's rugged coast, flora, fauna, and…
- Astoria Chapter 38
Chapter 38 describes the inhabitants of Wish-ram, their dwellings, and trading. Mr. Hunt faces their dishonesty and learns of the Tonquin massacre. The chapter concludes with Mr. Hunt and his companions reuniting at Astoria after a difficu…
- Astoria Chapter 36
In Astoria Chapter 36, a hungry group led by Mr. Hunt obtains horses and meat from a Shoshonie camp. They overcome perilous river crossings and difficult mountain terrain, pushing forward despite their weakened condition.
- Astoria Chapter 37
Chapter 37 of Astoria follows a party facing hardship and scarce provisions as they travel westward through winter landscapes. They observe the customs of various Native American tribes and find renewed hope upon reaching the Columbia Rive…
- Astoria Chapter 34
In Astoria Chapter 34, travellers face advancing winter and scarce provisions on a rugged journey through deserts and mountains. They encounter native tribes and endure severe hardships of thirst, hunger, and cold, testing their fortitude…
- Astoria Chapter 35
In Chapter 35 of Astoria, travellers encounter a familiar, famished party, confirming the severity of their ordeal. Mr. Hunt decides to seek aid from Indian bands, but his company dwindles as the weakest are left behind.
- Astoria Chapter 33
Chapter 33 follows a group of explorers navigating a dangerous river, setting up supply caches, and facing low morale due to unsuccessful expeditions and grim discoveries.
- Astoria Chapter 32
In Astoria Chapter 32, a group of voyageurs navigates the challenging Snake River in newly built canoes. They encounter rapids, rocky passages, and wildlife, facing a significant accident at a whirlpool called The Caldron Linn.
- Astoria Chapter 30
In Astoria Chapter 30, the company rests in a hunting ground and befriends the native Snakes, acquiring buffalo meat and beaver skins. They then journey towards the Tetons and Mad River, seeking a simpler water passage despite the challeng…
- Astoria Chapter 31
In Astoria Chapter 31, Mr. Hunt's group decides against river travel due to reports of its unsuitability, opting for land instead. Preparations for trapping and trading are underway, but the mood is dampened by a fellow traveler's decision…
- Astoria Chapter 28
In Astoria Chapter 28, travellers meet the Crow Indians in a mountain region. The episode details their cautious interactions, marked by distrust and diplomacy, as they navigate rugged terrain.
- Astoria Chapter 29
Chapter 29 follows travellers through rugged mountain glens and into contact with wary Flathead and Shoshone tribes. They traverse difficult landscapes like Wind River and Pilot Knobs, eventually finding a game-rich valley.
- Astoria Chapter 26
Chapter 26 of Astoria follows Mr. Hunt's party through the Black Mountains, detailing encounters with wildlife such as black-tailed deer and grizzly bears, alongside mysterious sounds.
- Astoria Chapter 27
In Astoria Chapter 27, the travellers find relief and abundance along the Powder River. The vast mountain vistas of the Rocky Mountains inspire awe and reverence, as they are believed to be the abode of spirits.
- Astoria Chapter 25
In Astoria Chapter 25, travellers navigate treeless plains using buffalo dung for fuel and observe natural phenomena. Concerns grow for three missing hunters, prompting rescue efforts and a strategy to manage a troublesome individual, ulti…
- Astoria Chapter 24
Chapter 24 of Astoria details the travellers' journey through a rugged landscape with new horses. A shadow of treachery emerges, centered on the interpreter Edward Rose, revealing his desperado character and casting a sombre vigilance over…
- Astoria Chapter 22
Chapter 22 of Astoria details the preparations and challenges of an expedition into the Western wilderness. The narrative touches upon the harsh landscape, potential conflicts with tribes, internal dissent among the party, and the addition…
- Astoria Chapter 23
Chapter 23 of Astoria details a prairie journey and an encounter with the Cheyenne, noting their horsemanship and reflecting on landscape renaming and the fate of native peoples.
- Astoria Chapter 21
Astoria Chapter 21 depicts an Arickara horse fair, showcasing hospitality and social activities. Tensions rise due to rumors of Sioux enemies, and the chapter concludes with a war party's return, a mix of celebration and sorrow reflecting…
- Astoria Chapter 20
Chapter 20 of Astoria describes encounters with vast wilderness and animal herds. It details diplomatic preparations for engaging the Arickara village, including trade negotiations and the setting aside of rivalries between two companies.
- Astoria Chapter 19
Chapter 19 of Astoria details the expedition's encounter with hostile tribes, followed by a celebration with allies. The appearance of a rival trader creates further tension and confrontation.
- Astoria Chapter 18
Chapter 18 of The Washington Irving Library follows the party's journey on the Missouri River. They receive significant news from hunters, altering their route, and later encounter Sioux warriors, whom they appease through diplomacy and a…
- Astoria Chapter 17
Chapter 17 of Astoria details the expedition's reception of troubling news regarding the hostile Sioux Tetons at the Omaha village. This news causes unease and desertions as the traders cautiously advance into dangerous territory, encounte…
- Astoria Chapter 16
Chapter 16 of Astoria details the travellers resuming their voyage as spring arrives. The episode also introduces the Omaha tribe and the story of their chief, Blackbird.
- Astoria Chapter 14
Astoria Chapter 14 details the frontier town of St. Louis, focusing on the fur trade and the Missouri River's challenges. Mr. Hunt gathers a team to ascend the river before winter, stopping at Nodowa to prepare.
- Astoria Chapter 15
Chapter 15 of "The Washington Irving Library" details Mr. Hunt's difficulties in assembling a loyal crew for the Astoria expedition, exacerbated by interpreter Pierre Dorion's issues. The group sets off from St. Louis, facing warnings abou…