The Washington Irving Library

In which we are gently led through the venerable halls of an ancient English mansion, richly furnished with relics and portraits that whisper tales of bygone family glories, romances, and spirited revelries. The narrative lingers with tender melancholy on the faded beauties immortalised in paint and the passing gaieties they once embodied, evoking a quiet reflection on the fleeting nature of life...

In which the observant narrator delights in the serene and tender courtship of young Julia and her lover amid the blossoming warmth of spring at Bracebridge Hall, reflecting upon the innocent and charming nature of first affections. We are also kindly introduced to Julia’s gentle upbringing under the protection of the hospitable squire and the affectionate servants who cherish her as their own.

In which the gentle virtues and curious habits of a lonely widow are softly revealed through the eyes of a keen observer, painting a portrait of a lady who lives wrapped in the tender nostalgia of her youth and the quiet kindnesses of her country estate. Her life is a blend of old-fashioned gallantry, romantic reading, and devoted charity, enlivened by her fondness for pets and the company of a wo...

In which the domestic life at Bracebridge Hall is attentively portrayed through the dignified presence of its long-serving household attendants, whose loyalty and simple dignity uphold an ancient and well-ordered English tradition. Their steady, unobtrusive service, enriched by colourful anecdotes and lasting bonds, exemplifies the mutual respect and heartfelt attachments that quietly shape the ch...

In which the narrator acquaints us with the spirited and industrious Master Simon, a convivial bachelor who presides over the estate’s various amusements and duties with a blend of good-humoured zeal and dated accomplishments. Amidst his rounds and disputes with the veteran huntsman Christy, a venerable repository of the estate’s sporting lore, a distinguished lady arrives to the hearty reception...

In which the reader is invited to a genteel sojourn at Bracebridge Hall, an ancient English manor alive with cherished customs and the gentle stirrings of springtime, as preparations for a lively wedding commence. The narrator promises no thrilling intrigues but offers a leisurely glimpse into the virtues and quaintness of old English country life, inviting quiet observation and occasional amuseme...

In which the enterprising Mr. Wyeth, inspired by Captain Bonneville's ventures, attempts to establish a fortified fur and salmon trading post on the Columbia River, endeavouring to bypass the costly and perilous eastern supply routes. The narrative reflects upon the Hudson’s Bay Company’s firm hold over the region’s commerce and contemplates the vast, yet untapped agricultural and pastoral riches...

In which Captain Bonneville and his brigade rendezvous at Wind River amidst the tumultuous conflicts between the Crow and Blackfeet tribes, witnessing the fierce warfare and the profound sagacity of horses vital to the trapper’s life. The narrative closes upon the trappers’ return to civilisation, meditating on the inevitable fading of the wild mountain life and the futurity of this vast, untamed...

In which Captain Bonneville’s party breaks up winter quarters to move along the Green River, ever vigilant against lurking dangers, where they encounter a distressed trapper and his Blackfoot bride seeking aid. Through her vivid account, the narrative reveals the hardships and fierce loyalty endured by an Indian wife amidst the rugged life of the mountains.

In which a winter in the wilderness is marked by plentiful game and lively camaraderie between rival tribes newly mingled in friendly sport and curious devotion, while visits from free trappers spark scenes of revelry and tender entanglements. Amidst this hearty conviviality, a delicate drama unfolds as old attachments and new passions stir, culminating in a daring flight and a rustic settlement o...

In which Captain Bonneville and his party, beleaguered by scarcity and denied aid by the Hudson’s Bay Company, traverse rugged mountains and rivers in desperate search of sustenance, finding relief among vast herds of buffalo and the abundance of salmon along the Snake River. Amidst harsh winter conditions, tensions between rival Indian tribes are delicately mediated by the captain, leading to a p...

In which the peaceful and industrious Skynses tribe, known for their remarkable horses and devout observance of a Sabbath blessed with prayer and reflection, engage in trade and community life under the kindly influence of Hudson’s Bay Company missionaries. The narrative paints a picture of their harmonious manners, religious ceremonies, and spirited recreations, alongside the subtle rise of new r...

In which the intrepid Captain Bonneville and his party navigate the perilous wilderness, marked by the solitary trade of trappers amidst ever-watchful eyes and the fierce hostility of the Banneck Indians, whilst contending with the great conflagrations that engulf the vast prairies and mountain passes. They find themselves waylaid by the blinding smoke and roaring flames of a widespread forest fir...

In which Captain Bonneville embarks upon a race with Wyeth to the buffalo grounds, encountering a spirited band of Hudson’s Bay traders and concocting a potent honey and alcohol brew that enlivens their convivial evening. Their journey leads them to plentiful game and good company, until a sudden alarm calls them to urgently aid Wyeth’s party ensnared amid the volcanic rocks.

In which Captain Bonneville and his men encounter a lively group of half-breeds and trappers, engaging in spirited contests of horseracing, rifle-shooting, and the peculiar game of “Hand” around blazing campfires amid the rugged landscape. As they continue their journey along the Snake River, the party shares hospitable moments with the native inhabitants, observing their fishing customs and barte...

In which the intrepid Mr. Nathaniel J. Wyeth embarks upon a hazardous voyage down the wild rivers of the upper Missouri country in a fragile bull boat, encountering the relentless challenges of nature and the wary yet spirited bands of the Crow and Blackfeet nations. The narrative softly unfolds the unpredictable beauty and perils of these vast, untamed waters, as well as the rugged camaraderie an...

In which Captain Bonneville and his band experience the uneasy presence of lurking Blackfoot enemies, interpreted through the superstitions and warnings of the Delaware Indian Buckeye, amid the lively revelries and supply arrivals at their mountain rendezvous. The captain prepares for the coming year’s ventures, setting out different parties for distant trapping grounds while intelligence arrives...

In which a party of enterprising trappers undertakes a perilous journey through arid deserts and snowy mountains, contending with the privations and misunderstandings that accompany encounters with the native peoples. Their travels reveal the fertile and strategically significant lands of California, notable for its missions, picturesque coasts, and the burgeoning interest of foreign powers.

In which the wandering band of trappers finds a warm welcome among the hospitable inhabitants of Monterey, indulging in the splendid equestrian feats and lively bull-fights of the Californians, whilst observing the curious use of the laso in both practical ranching and thrilling contests between bear and bull. Their subsequent journey, marked by distress and ruthless encounters with native horse t...

In which Captain Bonneville, leading a diverse company through a landscape fraught with cunning peril, employs artful stratagems to mask his numbers from a lurking Blackfeet war party, whilst maintaining vigilant watch by night and engaging in spirited, if mock, carousal at the mineral-laden Beer Springs. His journey continues through plains rich with buffalo and the curious Little Snake Lake, cul...

In which Captain Bonneville and his party face the formidable challenge of crossing snow-laden mountains, employing ingenious methods and indomitable courage to persevere through icy perils and treacherous descents. Their journey brings them to the verdant banks of Snake River, where signs of fellow travellers rekindle hope and culminate in a heartfelt reunion, celebrated with rustic festivity ami...

In which Captain Bonneville visits the modest trading post of Fort Wallah-Wallah, encountering the hospitable yet cautious superintendent Mr. Pambrune and observing the Nez Perce tribe’s surprisingly refined customs, religious progress, and notable provisions. He prepares for departure with his companions, guided by friendly natives, though burdened by an indolent and voracious companion whose exc...

In which an uninvited yet clever and good-humoured Indian hunter joins Captain Bonneville’s party, enlivening their journey with his wit and skill despite some mischievous setbacks; his merry companionship and hunting prowess prove a rare boon to the travellers. Their progress is marked by genial camaraderie and unexpected mishap as the new friend’s spirited ride on a young colt ends in injury, pr...

In which Captain Bonneville and his companions encounter the hospitable Nez Perce tribe, welcomed by a venerable chief whose kindness and sociability dispel many common prejudices about these wilderness dwellers. Through ceremonies, generous feasts, and curious communiqués, the travellers gain insight into the tribe’s honest and reverent nature, as well as the captain’s modest endeavours to aid th...

In which Captain Bonneville and his companions traverse the varied and sublime landscapes along the Way-lee-way and Snake River, encountering the generous Nez Perce tribes whose customs and hospitality they experience with quiet admiration. The narrative gently unfolds amid tales of social gatherings, mysterious theft, and the captain’s unskilled yet earnest healing, all set against the backdrop o...