Letters of Jonathan Oldstyle, Gent. cover art

Letters of Jonathan Oldstyle, Gent.

Letters of Jonathan Oldstyle, Gent.

By: Washington Irving
Listen for free

About this listen

 The Letters of Jonathan Oldstyle, Gent. (1824) presents a delightful collection of eight humorous and insightful letters penned by the American writer Washington Irving under the charming pseudonym Jonathan Oldstyle. Originally published as a series of Letters to the Editor in The Morning Chronicle between 1802 and 1803, these letters provide a witty critique of the New York social scene, exploring themes of etiquette, marriage, fashion, and the intricacies of human interaction. While much of Oldstyles commentary unfolds in the theatre, it transcends that setting, offering a sharp analysis of how men and women perform their roles in life. With a little assistance from his clever friend, the inimitable Andrew Quoz—another of Irvings alter egos—they playfully challenged the norms of theatre criticism and brought social behaviors into the spotlight. At just 19 years old, Irving embarked on this literary adventure, paving the way for his later masterpieces, including Rip Van Winkle and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. (Summary by James K. White, Gent.)Copyright Comedy and Fairy Tales Art Social Sciences
Episodes
  • 009 - Letter VIII

    009 - Letter VIII
    Nov 18 2025
    The Letters of Jonathan Oldstyle, Gent. (1824) presents a delightful collection of eight humorous and insightful letters penned by the American writer Washington Irving under the charming pseudonym Jonathan Oldstyle. Originally published as a series of Letters to the Editor in The Morning Chronicle between 1802 and 1803, these letters provide a witty critique of the New York social scene, exploring themes of etiquette, marriage, fashion, and the intricacies of human interaction. While much of Oldstyles commentary unfolds in the theatre, it transcends that setting, offering a sharp analysis of how men and women perform their roles in life. With a little assistance from his clever friend, the inimitable Andrew Quoz—another of Irvings alter egos—they playfully challenged the norms of theatre criticism and brought social behaviors into the spotlight. At just 19 years old, Irving embarked on this literary adventure, paving the way for his later masterpieces, including Rip Van Winkle and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. (Summary by James K. White, Gent.)
    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
  • 008 - Letter VII

    008 - Letter VII
    Nov 18 2025
    The Letters of Jonathan Oldstyle, Gent. (1824) presents a delightful collection of eight humorous and insightful letters penned by the American writer Washington Irving under the charming pseudonym Jonathan Oldstyle. Originally published as a series of Letters to the Editor in The Morning Chronicle between 1802 and 1803, these letters provide a witty critique of the New York social scene, exploring themes of etiquette, marriage, fashion, and the intricacies of human interaction. While much of Oldstyles commentary unfolds in the theatre, it transcends that setting, offering a sharp analysis of how men and women perform their roles in life. With a little assistance from his clever friend, the inimitable Andrew Quoz—another of Irvings alter egos—they playfully challenged the norms of theatre criticism and brought social behaviors into the spotlight. At just 19 years old, Irving embarked on this literary adventure, paving the way for his later masterpieces, including Rip Van Winkle and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. (Summary by James K. White, Gent.)
    Show More Show Less
    13 mins
  • 007 - Letter VI

    007 - Letter VI
    Nov 18 2025
    The Letters of Jonathan Oldstyle, Gent. (1824) presents a delightful collection of eight humorous and insightful letters penned by the American writer Washington Irving under the charming pseudonym Jonathan Oldstyle. Originally published as a series of Letters to the Editor in The Morning Chronicle between 1802 and 1803, these letters provide a witty critique of the New York social scene, exploring themes of etiquette, marriage, fashion, and the intricacies of human interaction. While much of Oldstyles commentary unfolds in the theatre, it transcends that setting, offering a sharp analysis of how men and women perform their roles in life. With a little assistance from his clever friend, the inimitable Andrew Quoz—another of Irvings alter egos—they playfully challenged the norms of theatre criticism and brought social behaviors into the spotlight. At just 19 years old, Irving embarked on this literary adventure, paving the way for his later masterpieces, including Rip Van Winkle and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. (Summary by James K. White, Gent.)
    Show More Show Less
    13 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.