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Diedrich Knickerbocker
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Wikipedia article
'Diedrich Knickerbocker' is an American literary character who originated from Washington Irving's first novel, 'A History of New-York from the Beginning of the World to the End of the Dutch Dynasty, by Diedrich Knickerbocker' (1809). He is a Dutch-American historian who is dressed in a specific type of baggy-kneed trousers referred to as 'knickerbockers', later shortened to 'knickers'. The word 'knickerbocker' is also used to refer to people who live in Manhattan, and was adopted in a shortened form as the Knicks by the city's NBA professional basketball team.
History
In 1809 Washington Irving wrote his first novel, 'A History of New-York from the Beginning of the World to the End of the Dutch Dynasty, by Diedrich Knickerbocker'. It was a satire of the politics of the day and history books. To promote the book he started a hoax by contacting various newspapers in New York City that "well-known Dutch historian Diedrich Knickerbocker had disappeared from his hotel". Irving informed people that if Mr. Knickerbocker remained absent he would publish a manuscript that the man had left behind. Many people at the time believed the story and when Irving finally revealed it was all made up he gained enough local fame to help his book become an instant success, practically launching his literary career.Jones, Brian Jay. 'Washington Irving: An American Original', page 118-127. (Arcade, 2008).
One of Irving's friends was actually named Knickerbocker: Herman Knickerbocker (17791855). Herman Knickerbocker, in turn, was of the upstate Knickerbocker clan, which descended from a single immigrant ancestor, Harmen Jansen van Wijhe Knickerbocker. Jansen van Wijhe invented the name upon arriving in New Amsterdam and signed a document with a variant of it in 1682.
In popular culture
, 'Puck' 1901.
In the 19th century a literary group was named after the character: Knickerbocker Group, who also had their own magazine, 'The Knickerbocker' (18331865).Callow, James T. 'Kindred Spirits: Knickerbocker Writers and American Artists, 18071855'. Chapel Hill: The University of North Carolina Press, 1967: 104. In the first and second issue Knickerbocker gave a supposed interview.
The name "knickerbocker" has become a popular nickname for people who reside in Manhattan. It also inspired the name of a type of baggy-kneed trousers for boys: knickerbockers. The New York basketball team New York Knickerbockers (more commonly known as the 'Knicks') also derived their name from this character.'[http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/knickerbocker knickerbocker]'. Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc. retrieved 2008-1-3 It also inspired a beer brand by Jacob Ruppert, the first sponsors of the TV show 'Tonight!'.[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0866345/ "Tonight!" Knickerbocker Beer Show, 1953].
Igor Cassini, a gossip columnist, used the name "Cholly Knickerbocker" as his pseudonym.
"Father Knickerbocker" served the role of civic personification of New York City in the illustrated 'Daily Graphic' newspaper, 'Puck' magazine, and elsewhere. In May 1949, city official James J. OBrien toured the globe dressed as Father Knickerbocker on behalf of the New York World Trade Week Committee.
Sources
Category:Literary characters introduced in 1809
Category:1809 novels
Category:Fictional historians
Category:Fictional characters from New York City
Category:Male characters in literature
Category:Washington Irving
Category:Knickerbocker Group
Category:Civic personifications
Category:Symbols of New York City
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