Cheryl Harness once again pours the full range of her creative talents into another compellingly illustrated mix of history and biography. This time the result is an inspiring true-life account of the life of one of America’s first celebrity authors.

Follow the narrative from Washington Irving’s birth in New York City to his meeting with his namesake George Washington. Learn of his years as a businessman, lawyer, traveler, and a diplomat representing the views of the United States in the courts of Britain and Spain. Discover what inspired such classics as Rip Van Winkle and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Witness the excitement generated by this American publishing phenomenon as his books are devoured by readers of all ages on both sides of the Atlantic.

Cheryl Harness’ lively narrative traces the development of both Irving's life and his literary imagination. The book’s vivid illustrations invite readers to step back in time and find out how his creations helped lay the foundation for American folklorethe tales and traditions that help define the spirit of America. Along the way, readers meet other authors and their legendary characters, including Longfellow’s Hiawatha and Evangeline, Davy Crockett and the heroes of the Alamo, Johnny Appleseed, Daniel Boone, Pecos Bill, Jesse James, Paul Bunyan and his big blue ox, John Henry and his hammer, Casey Jones, Clement Moore and many more.