How did Irving blend history and imagination in his writing?
I approached historical subjects by seeking out the human element, the vivid character, and the picturesque detail that breathe life into events. My method involved meticulous research, as seen in my biographies of Columbus, but I never shied away from infusing narrative with imagination and a storyteller's flair. For me, history was not merely a sequence of facts but a vibrant, unfolding drama to be recounted with color and feeling, making it accessible and engaging for readers.
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