author
William Irving
1766–1821
A New York merchant, fur trader, and congressman, he also moved in the literary circle that included his younger brother Washington Irving. His life bridged early American business, politics, and letters.
1 Audiobook
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 New York City in 1766, William Irving worked in mercantile trade and spent several years in the fur business along the Mohawk River before returning to the city in 1793. He later served as a U.S. representative from New York from 1814 to 1819.
Irving is remembered not only for public service but also for his place in a notably literary family. He was the elder brother of Washington Irving, and reference works describe him as a writer as well as a merchant and politician.
Accounts of his life also note that he was part of the New York literary society of his day. He died in 1821, leaving behind a career that connected commerce, politics, and the early cultural life of the United States.