A History of New York is a satire on self-important local history and contemporary politics. Irving created a fictional persona, Diedrich Knickerbocker, as the author of the book. Unsuspecting readers followed the story of Knickerbocker and his manuscript with interest, and some New York city officials were concerned enough about the missing historian to offer a reward for his safe return.

To promote the book, Irving started a hoax by contacting various newspapers in New York City and claiming that a well-known Dutch historian, Diedrich Knickerbocker, had disappeared. 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.

This case laminate collector's edition includes a Victorian-inspired dust jacket.