If you enjoy reading books by Washington Irving then you might also like the following authors:
If you enjoyed Washington Irving's atmospheric tales, you might like Nathaniel Hawthorne. Hawthorne explores dark subjects like guilt, sin, and the challenges of moral judgment.
His stories often reveal tensions beneath the calm surface of everyday life, as seen in his famous novel The Scarlet Letter. Hawthorne's vivid, symbolic style and his interest in early American Puritan history provide a thoughtful look into the shadows of human nature.
Readers who appreciate Irving's ghostly storytelling may find Edgar Allan Poe just as enjoyable. Poe is known for his suspenseful and psychologically intense stories, full of mystery and macabre themes.
He dives deep into human fears and obsessions, often blurring the line between sanity and madness. His famous short story The Fall of the House of Usher is a vivid example of his eerie, moody storytelling.
James Fenimore Cooper shares Irving's interest in America's landscapes and history. Cooper's works explore the frontier era and the encounters between early Americans and Native communities.
His adventurous novel, The Last of the Mohicans, captures a sense of place and time through vivid characters and exciting storytelling. If you were drawn to Irving's historical settings, Cooper's vivid frontier novels may appeal to you.
Charles Brockden Brown, often considered America's first professional novelist, writes intriguing early Gothic fiction that fans of Irving may appreciate.
Brown's novel Wieland deals with family trauma, religious fanaticism, and mysterious voices, creating suspenseful storytelling in an American setting. His exploration of psychological disturbance and odd events might appeal to readers who enjoy Irving's supernatural elements.
If Washington Irving's reflective appreciation of nature appeals to you, William Cullen Bryant may also interest you.
Bryant, a poet with a deep love for wilderness and nature, writes vivid, reflective poetry that invites readers to ponder life's connections to the natural world. His poem Thanatopsis beautifully expresses thoughts on life, death, and humanity's bond with nature.
Like Irving, Bryant blends American landscapes and reflective themes in a graceful way.
Longfellow writes poetry that captures the spirit, history, and beauty of America. Like Irving, he has a gentle storytelling style with an appreciation for folklore and legend. His poems often explore the past and create vivid scenes readers can easily imagine.
His famous narrative poem, Paul Revere's Ride, dramatizes the legendary midnight ride, combining adventure with historical nostalgia.
Holmes combines wit, warmth, and insight in his poems and essays. Readers who enjoy Irving's playful tone and engaging concerns about society might appreciate Holmes' writing.
He wrote with humor and compassion about human life, sometimes poking fun at traditional ways or outdated beliefs. You might enjoy his series of essays in The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table, which explores society topics wisely and humorously.
Lowell's writings often engage thoughtfully with pressing social issues of his time, like slavery and human rights. If you appreciate Irving's reflective nature and vivid descriptions, Lowell offers similarly thoughtful essays and poems.
A good starting point is The Biglow Papers, which cleverly satirizes aspects of American political life while dealing insightfully with moral concerns.
A writer known for simplicity, sincerity, and a deep love of nature and humanity, Whittier shares Irving's gentle tone and nostalgic reflections. He often wrote in support of abolition and social justice, giving his work a compassionate moral outlook.
His narrative poem Snow-Bound warmly evokes the atmosphere and traditions of New England country life, connecting readers emotionally to simpler times.
Simms has a style rich in historical atmosphere and Southern culture, focusing on adventure stories set against the backdrop of American history. Readers who like Irving's vivid storytelling and rich descriptions of past events might find Simms engaging.
Try reading The Yemassee, a historical novel set in early South Carolina during conflicts between English settlers and Native Americans—it includes suspense, drama, and intriguing historical scenes.
Fitz-Greene Halleck was a poet known for his playful yet elegant style, often mixing humor with thoughtful reflection. Much like Irving, Halleck enjoyed exploring American identity and creating vivid portraits of society.
His poem Fanny showcases his sharp wit and gently satirical view of life in early 19th-century New York.
If you like Irving's mix of fantasy and folklore, Joseph Rodman Drake offers something similar with his imaginative poetry. Drake often wrote about American legends and supernatural themes, creating an atmosphere both mysterious and intriguing.
His poem The Culprit Fay brings to life a vivid fairy world set along the Hudson River, capturing the beauty and mystery of American nature.
James Kirke Paulding shares Washington Irving's interest in humor, satire, and careful observation of American society. Paulding liked to poke fun at pretension and affectation, giving readers a lively and humorous view of early America.
His novel The Dutchman's Fireside portrays historical colonial America with warmth, humor, and engaging characters, reminiscent of Irving's tales.
Catharine Maria Sedgwick wrote lively novels centered on American themes and regional identities, similar to Irving's affectionate portrayals of American life.
Sedgwick pays strong attention to the experiences and inner lives of women, making her narratives vibrant and relatable. Her novel Hope Leslie offers insight into early American society, addressing issues such as cultural conflict and women's roles with sensitivity and openness.
Lydia Maria Child is known for thoughtful, socially conscious writing that blends storytelling with advocacy for justice and human rights.
She explores themes of social reform, racial equality, and women's rights, reflecting a progressive vision similar to the subtle social commentary in Irving's work.
Her book Hobomok examines early American life, depicting complex cultural interactions and relationships with a compassionate and thoughtful approach.