Mr. Irving began his career, as an author, in periodical literature.
His first work was a humorous journal, entitled "Salmagundi, or the
Whim-Whams and Opinions of Launcelot Langstaff, Esq. and Others,"
originally published in numbers in New York, where it met with a very
flattering reception. The date of the first paper is Saturday, January
24, 1827.

Salmagundi has been several times reprinted in this country; and it
may be acceptable to know, that the cheapest, if not the most elegant,
edition may be purchased for twenty-pence. It would be difficult to
explain the merits of Salmagundi to the reader, as they are of the
most varied character; but, it may be remarked generally, that a vein
of quaint humour and human kindness pervades these early papers, which
will bring the reader and writer to the best possible terms.

This lively miscellany was followed by a humorous History of New York,
with the somewhat droll _nom_ of Dedrick Knickerbocker as its author.
It possesses considerable merit, with a nice perception of the
ludicrous; but, on its first appearance, this recommendation was
generally overlooked, whether from the local interest of the subject,
or the want of due judgment in its readers, it is difficult to
determine.

About this period Mr. Irvine's name was heard in England, almost for
the first time; his only claims to public notice resting entirely
on Salmagundi, and the History of New York. He was indebted for his
introduction to the acquaintance of European readers, to a young
fellow-countryman of high attainments, who alludes to the above works
and their author in the following terms:--"Mr. Irving has shown much
talent and great humour in his Salmagundi and Knickerbocker, and they