Washington Irving

Washington Irving (April 3, 1783 – November 28, 1859) was an American author, essayist, biographer and historian of the early 19th century. He was known for his : "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "Rip Van Winkle", both of which appear in his book The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. His historical works include biographies of George Washington, Oliver Goldsmith and Muhammad, and several histories of 15th-century Spain dealing with subjects such as Christopher Columbus, the Moors, and the Alhambra. Irving also served as the U.S. minister to Spain from 1842 to 1846.
He also wrote a "Knickerbocker History"

Later historians often mock this work: "Few people read it, fewer enjoy it, but its reputation is still great"

See, for instance: Mariana Griswold Van Rensselaer: https://www.newspapers.com/image/20591684/?terms=%22Schuyler%20Van%... The New York Times
18 Sep 1909, Sat · Page 21 with her own two volume work. (1,000-odd pages in two volumes)