author
James Kirke Paulding
1778–1860
A sharp early American voice, he mixed satire, fiction, and patriotic feeling in ways that helped shape a distinctly national literature. He also moved between literary life and public service, eventually serving as U.S. Secretary of the Navy.
2 Audiobooks
The book of Saint Nicholas
by James Kirke Paulding
Salmagundi : or, The whimwhams and opinions of Launcelot Langstaff, esq., and others
by William Irving, Washington Irving, James Kirke Paulding
About the author
Born in Dutchess County, New York, in 1778, James Kirke Paulding grew up to become one of the energetic literary figures of the early United States. After moving to New York City, he became closely associated with Washington Irving and William Irving, and the three collaborated on the lively periodical Salmagundi, which helped build his reputation for humor and satire.
Paulding wrote across several forms, including essays, poems, plays, histories, and novels. He is especially remembered for using American settings, characters, and themes at a time when the nation was still looking for its own literary identity. His work often carried a strong nationalist streak, and titles such as The Diverting History of John Bull and Brother Jonathan and The Lion of the West show his interest in distinctly American subjects and voices.
His career was not limited to writing. Paulding also served in public office and became Secretary of the Navy under President Martin Van Buren. He died in Hyde Park, New York, in 1860, leaving behind a body of work that reflects both the ambitions and the arguments of early American culture.