are exceedingly pleasant books, especially to one who understands the
local allusions."

A few years subsequent to the publication of Knickerbocker, Mr. Irving
visited England, or the "land of wonders," as he facetely terms
our favoured isle. During his stay, he wrote a series of papers,
illustrative of English manners, which were chiefly printed in
America. These papers were afterwards published in a collected form,
in England, under the title of "The Sketch-Book of Geoffrey Crayon,
Gent." and dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, "in testimony of the
admiration and affection of the author." In the advertisement to the
Sketch-Book, Mr. Irving thus modestly refers to its origin:

"The author is aware of the austerity with which the writings of
his countrymen have hitherto been treated by British critics: he
is conscious too, that much of the contents of his papers can be
interesting only in the eyes of American readers. It was not his
intention, therefore, to have them reprinted in this country. He
has, however, observed several of them from time to time inserted in
periodical works of merit, and has understood that it was probable
they would be republished in a collective form. He has been induced,
therefore, to revise and bring them forward himself, that they may
at least come correctly before the public. Should they be deemed of
sufficient importance to attract the attention of critics, he solicits
for them that courtesy and candour which a stranger has some right to
claim, who presents himself at the threshold of a hospitable nation."

Mr. Irving's solicitations were not made in vain, as the rapid sale
of several editions must have convinced him; while every journalist
in the empire hailed the work as the most beautiful specimen of