Who was the first American Author to Achieve International Fame?

Washington Irving, who had fought against the British in the War of Independence. He wrote many books, amongst them his Legends of the Alhambra and the Legend of Sleepy Hollow. But it is Rip Van Winkle for which he is best remembered today.

Born on April 3, 1783, he died November 28, 1859, already regarded as an author of note throughout the world.