Irving, Washington

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delightfully entertaining !
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
delightful for all ages
An Age-Old Classic
Bedtime story and classic American fiction all in one

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Washington Irving
Manufacturer: Wildside Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0809594080

Book Description

The chief part of the stories, however, turned upon the favorite specter of Sleepy Hollow, the Headless Horseman, who had been heard several times of late, patrolling the country; and, it was said, tethered his horse nightly among the graves in the churchyard. The story was immediately matched by a thrice marvelous adventure of Brom Bones, who made light of the Galloping Hessian as an arrant jockey. He affirmed that on returning one night from the neighboring village of Sing Sing, he had been overtaken by this midnight trooper; that he had offered to race with him for a bowl of punch, and should have won it too, for Daredevil beat the goblin horse all hollow, but just as they came to the church bridge, the Hessian bolted, and vanished in a flash of fire. All these tales, told in that drowsy undertone with which men talk in the dark, the countenances of the listeners only now and then receiving a casual gleam from the glare of a pipe, sank deep in the mind of Ichabod. . . .

Customer Reviews:

delightfully entertaining !.......2007-06-12

I remember reading this story as a child, how it was frightening and suspenseful at times, but always entertaining and an enjoyable read. Re-reading this classic American story for academic purposes, to my surprise I found that the same feeling still persisted through the years, only this time with a deeper understanding of the rhetorics and it's witty brilliance. Irving's exceptional and unique way of combining suspense and humor makes this story a must read for everyone.

The sheer length of the story already got me excited. It's short and a fast-read, but not compromising for its quality. The story primarily deals with a man named Ichabod Crane, a teacher immediately following the American Revolution. Ichabod surrounds himself with beliefs of mystical creatures and legends, such as that of the Headless Horseman. His superstitions are what ultimately brings Ichabod to his downfall. Not only Ichabod, but the entire town is certain that such a creature exists, although no one has uncovered evidence, and as a result myths fly around and everyone is on their toes about the whole issue. This goes to show Irving's primary argument and purpose in this story: that false supersitious beliefs will ultimately lead to ones downfall, as is the case for Ichabod.

The overall tone of this story is light and lyrical, with a dash of wit and humor thrown in to add spice. Irving's eloquent and flowy writing makes this story enjoyable just from the sound of the language, and has an unusual combination of freight and suspense with light-hearted humor. Throughout the book, Irving also gives examples of some of the dark elements present in the story. For example, Irving warns readers that they are about to enter a sleepy land that is open to supernatural happenings. The mythical events that happen in the land correspond to ideas of dark romanticism that incorporated fantastical occurrences. However, not the entire book is plagued with dark and serious elements. For example, the character of Ichabod Crane is intended to be comical, because Irving assigns odd characteristics to him, such as an abnormal nose and gangly frame. Through such traits, Irving adds humor that is shown through the character of Ichabod from the otherwise dark and gloomy storyline.

All in all, this story is simply a must read for any lover of American literature.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.......2007-03-08

I havent read this book since I was a kid and it is as classic as ever.

delightful for all ages.......2007-01-12

What The Legend of Sleepy Hollow lacks in substance it makes up for in quality. Washington Irving writes a short piece crammed with elements of sophisticated literature, Dark Romanticism, and meaningful themes. This short story is a literary masterpiece that is directed to a wide range of readers.
Short and easy to read, the Legend of Sleepy Hollow provides a delightful storyline that fascinates even the youngest audiences. Irving's diction is somewhat elevated, but not so much that it is confusing or difficult. The words would provide an excellent transition for novices that wish to improve on their vocabulary. The style is intriguing and never fails to entertain readers. Children can get an early exposure to writing from another era and gain an early respect for Dark Romantic literature. Most laudable is Washington Irving's extremely vivid imagery. His depiction of the rural town of Sleepy Hollow is unmatched, with each image providing a burst of emotion. The writing is straightforward and will not confuse or perplex readers. The supernatural aspects of the story make this far from bland, exciting children and adults alike. There is a considerable amount of mystery, suspense, and action, each adding to the joy in reading the piece.
The story itself may seem simple, but The Legend of Sleepy Hollow can entertain many intellectuals with its themes and dark Romantic aspects. There are many elements that are sophisticated enough to be dissected, scrutinized and, analyzed. Although the plot is straightforward, themes are hidden and can be vague. The story ends on a note in which nothing is absolute, leaving it to readers to come up with their own theories. Complex themes from Dark Romanticism are rampant and can reveal complex revelations about human nature.
The story is short, but complex in its themes and literary aspects, making the novel a delightful piece to read and analyze.

An Age-Old Classic.......2007-01-12

I remember reading The Legend of Sleepy Hollow as a child, as it was one of the classic tales that frankly frightened me a lot, but it was always an enjoyable read. Now, having to read the story academically, I have found that Washington Irving subtly covers many themes throughout his story that I would have never realized if I had not been digging for them- revealing the brilliance of Irving's writing. To be able to integrate such classic humor with insights into human nature is an amazing feat, and Irving does so seamlessly.

Written years after the Revolutionary War, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow contains an underlying message about how America needs to act in order to succeed as an established society. It was not until I had read many literary criticisms on the story that I could find this theme apparent throughout the story. Irving brilliantly juxtaposes the practical Brom Van Brunt to the overly imaginative protagonist, Ichabod Crane. The two characters compete to win Katrina Van Tassle's affections. Throughout the story, Ichabod surrounds himself in tales of ethereal creatures, and these tales greatly influence Ichabod's state of mind. After hearing about the infamous Headless Horseman, Ichabod takes an unsettling trek home through nature and is frightened by every little noise, believing each shadow to be a mark of the horseman, revealing his active imagination. In the end, it is his imagination that ultimately brings Ichabod to his downfall and the brawny Brom to his success, as he is the one who successfully woos Katrina. Ichabod represents the idealistic and superstitious mindset that America as a society should not adapt to; rather, America should be more practical and realistic, like Brom.

Irving's writing is humorous and bright and the novel truly deserves its place in classic American literature, as it spawned the dawn of comedic writing in America. From an academic standpoint, however, I cannot say that I would encourage readers to pursue this story for any moralistic lesson in particular. The historical context in which Irving wrote the story creates a bit of barrier to relate the novel to today's society. Despite all of that, the Legend of Sleepy Hollow is definitely an enjoyable read that one could indulge in for leisure.

Bedtime story and classic American fiction all in one.......2007-01-12

Washington Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is a short and entertaining book which takes the reader on a journey, following the schoolteacher Ichabod Crane and his wild fantasies. The beautiful yet dark setting of Sleepy Hollow creates a curious atmosphere, blending Ichabod's chase after Katrina with his own attempted escape from the headless horseman. The perspective of the story, told through the point of view of a storyteller, gives an interesting view, leaving out parts that the reader must fill in on his or her own. As the reader completes the story, he or she is left with a great mystery which surrounds the ending of the novel, concerning whether the headless horseman was just a hoax created by Brom Bones to scare off Ichabod Crane, or the Galloping Hessian really does haunt the town of Sleepy Hollow. Each reader is allowed to discover his or her own perspective of the story's ending.

Although only a short tale, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow goes beyond the simple bedtime story. The chimerical nature of Ichabod Crane and his hodgepodge of superstitions ultimately lead to his downfall, a detail not easily uncovered with a quick read-through. Irving's criticism of dwelling too long on dreams and fantasies is exposed through the schoolteacher's flaws and supposed death. Even if the reader does not immediately pick up these points, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is still a delightful tale to indulge in.

What makes The Legend of Sleepy Hollow such a great book is the author's writing style, which appeals to readers of all ages. Irving creates contrasting moods, setting scenes of joy and gaiety next to gloomy nightmares. He places the lovely home of the Van Tassels in the superstitious town of Sleepy Hollow. These contrasts create a beautiful and intricately designed setting for the legend of the headless horseman. Scholarly readers can analyze the effects of the shifts in tone and atmosphere, while younger readers can indulge in Irving's vivid descriptions, picturing themselves feasting with the Van Tassels or riding with Ichabod on his flight from the Galloping Hessian.

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Part Spanish Arabian Nights, Part Travel Writing, All Wonderful
Exciting stories, stirring history, and a great guidebook
The Alhambra

The Alhambra
Washington Irving
Manufacturer: Book Jungle
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Tales of the Alhambra

ASIN: 1594624291

Book Description

Rough draughts of some of the following tales and essays were actually written during a residence in the Alhambra; others were subsequently added, founded on notes and observations made there. Care was taken to maintain local coloring and verisimilitude; so that the whole might present a faithful and living picture of that microcosm, that singular little world into which I had been fortuitously thrown; and about which the external world had a very imperfect idea. It was my endeavor scrupulously to depict its half Spanish, half Oriental character; its mixture of the heroic, the poetic, and the grotesque; to revive the traces of grace and beauty fast fading from its walls; to record the regal and chivalrous traditions concerning those who once trod its courts; and the whimsical and superstitious legends of the motley race now burrowing among its ruins.

Download Description

Sparklesoup brings you Washington Irving's classic tale set in Spain. This version is printable and immediately easy-to-download with links to interesting facts and sites.

Customer Reviews:

Part Spanish Arabian Nights, Part Travel Writing, All Wonderful.......2007-06-03

Many Americans know Washington Irving as the author of "the Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "Rip Van Winkle". Few realize that he was also a world traveler, scholarly fluent in Arabic and Spanish and something of an Hispanophile, to the say least.
Irving's book is largely responsible for the widespread romantic image of Spain. It is a collection of observation, history, fairy tale, written in Irving's unique blend of romanticism and healthy skepticism. It is roughly framed by his journey to the Alhambra and his departure from it, an in between we are given a tour of the grounds and hear a few tales (including tales of Moorish ghosts on headless horses) which are roughly intertwined as in the Arabian Nights. Indeed, this little book is the 'Arabian Nights' of the west.
Before visit the Alhambra read this book. If you are not planning on going, read it and you'll probably change your mind.

Exciting stories, stirring history, and a great guidebook.......2006-09-06

Irving's book on the Alhambra and the surrounding territory of Granada remains one of the best guidebooks to the region--and one of the most entertaining travelogues ever written. Anyone who has visited (or plans to visit) southern Spain will be thrilled by the account of Irving's trip, but I'll go further: you need not ever go there to enjoy this classic work of history and humor.

Irving stayed at the Alhambra for three months in 1829 and jotted down notes concerning its history and legends. Early in his visit, Irving was accosted by Mateo Ximenes, a credulous and indigent "son of the Alhambra" who soon proves a worthy and endearing companion, a guide to secret chambers, and a conveyor of whimsical traditions. A couple of years later, while in London, Irving wrote "The Alhambra," describing his idiosyncratic hosts, recounting the millennium-old history of the Moorish occupation, and transcribing fresh versions of the palace's medieval legends and myths, many of which resemble stories from the "Arabian Nights." The first edition appeared in 1832, a second American edition was published four years later, but Irving extensively revised and enlarged the book in 1851, incorporating material unavailable or unknown to him in the 1830s. This last edition is the one most commonly available today.

The result is easily Irving's most accessible book, filled with wit and anecdote. Alongside the history of the Moorish kingdom of Granada, Irving intersperses tales (both historical and mythical) of enchanted caves, imprisoned princesses, and buried treasure. His admiration for Islamic heritage is obvious throughout: "The Arab invasion and conquest brought a higher civilization and a nobler style of thinking, into Gothic Spain." And he regularly denounces the prejudices (both medieval and contemporary) "so strongly characteristic of the bigot zeal, which sometimes inflamed the Christian enterprises" and which have prevented his fellow Europeans from studying a rich and justifiably proud tradition.

As Irving accurately summarizes, Moslem Spain was "a region of light amid Christian, yet benighted Europe; externally a warrior power fighting for existence; internally a realm devoted to literature, science, and the arts; where philosophy was cultivated with a passion . . . and where the luxuries of sense were transcended by those of thought and imagination." Plus, the Islamic "occupiers" and Christian warriors certainly knew how to tell a good story. This book will delight both history and literature buffs.

The Alhambra.......2002-12-27

I don't always like to read classics, but when a friend of mine suggested that I read this book, I decided to try it, and I am very glad that I did. Irving's words, though written so many years before now, still paint eloquent pictures of the Spain of his time. I could almost see what he was seeing. The stories and legends are also wonderful and fascinating. An antique copy of this book is one of my most treasured gifts.

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Rip Van Winkle

Rip Van Winkle
Washington Irving
Manufacturer: Black Dome Press Corp.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1883789400

Book Description

Washington Irving's story of a man who sleeps for twenty years in the Catskill Mountains and awakens to find a changed world has been a classic of American Literature. This deluxe gift edition carefully reproduces thity-four of Arthir Rackham's enchanting and exquisuute paintings.

Customer Reviews:

Rip Van Winkle.......2006-08-28

This story was about a man named Rip Van Winkle and he was drugged
by some Dutch ghosts. He slept for twenty years. When he woke up the
town was really different. His wife was dead and his kids were grown. He ended up living with his grown daughter and her husband.
I like this book because it was a strange story. It has some unusual things in it like a man that sleeps for twenty years and ghosts that look completely solid. I would recommend this book
to some people. I would recommend this book to grown-ups and children that are in the fourth grade and up.

Washington Irving : Bracebridge Hall, Tales of a Traveller, The Alhambra (Library of America)

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To hear is to forget,, to see is to remember, to experience is to understand
Wait until you get back
Don't go to Spain without packing this book!
Travel companion
forgotten classic

Washington Irving : Bracebridge Hall, Tales of a Traveller, The Alhambra (Library of America)
Washington Irving
Manufacturer: Library of America
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0940450593

Book Description

Three story collections of great urbanity and poise from the first American author to burst onto the international literary scene. "The Alhambra," Irving's "Spanish Sketchbook," was inspired by his 1829 residence at the ancient Moorish palace at Granada; weaving history, legend, and description, it remains the best guidebook to this haunting place. Over 120 tales in all.

Customer Reviews:

To hear is to forget,, to see is to remember, to experience is to understand.......2006-04-08

Once you have visited the Allhambra in Grenada, Washington Irvines book comes to life. The tales come to life. The experience is so magical that you believe the fables may have actually happened. Who knows? I had to purchase the book immediately after my visit and it is the best book purchase I have ever made

Wait until you get back.......2001-11-10

I think this book is much more enjoyable if you read it after you have visited the Alhambra; two Moorish palaces that sit on top of a mountain in the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountain range of Spain, palaces of incredible architecture and setting, the last outpost of the Moors in Spain. Christopher Columbus waited for 6 years before Queen Isabell would give him ships, she made him wait until the Moors were driven out of Spain. When the Alhambra finally falls, Coloumbus is given permission and ships for his quest a few days later, and the next year the Spanish Inquisition starts.
All of this comes to you if you visit the very romantic/historic city of Granada and the Alhambra, and after seeing the Alhambra restored, having walked its rooms and grounds, having listened to the fountains, letting your immagination run, then read this book, after you return home. Washington Irving's stunt of taking up residence in the rundown, forgotten Alhambra of his time seems even more fantastic. In fact, if you are going to Spain, buy a copy of this book in Granada; they are sold everywhere in different languages, and have pictures of paintings done in the period around Irving's stay. If you haven't been to the Alhambra, you should go.

Don't go to Spain without packing this book!.......2001-06-26

"Tales of the Alhambra" is must-reading for the traveler in Spain. Irving is best remembered in this country for his collections of American folklore, like the stories of Rip Van Winkle and the Headless Horseman, but in Spain they remember him for the Alhambra stories -- in fact, there's a hotel named in his honor in Granada. Irving lived in that beautiful old Moorish palace at a time when it was a neglected ruin, and his wonderful descriptions, interspersed with the folk-tales that he collected from the people of Granada, helped to spark interest in repairing and restoring the monument. The folk tales, told in Irving's inimitable, witty style, usually deal with romantic elopements, or buried treasure, or both. My personal favorite is the story of the young prince living in the Generalife (the beautiful summer palace) who learned the language of the birds. That one is fantasy, but it's true that there was hidden treasure in the Alhambra: the palace itself, its architecture and decoration, and we have Irving to thank for rediscovering it.

Travel companion.......2000-10-19

A great book to read while traveling in spain. If you are going to Alhambra, read this book! It will bring the palace alive for you. The writing is very accessable, and easy to follow for having been written so long ago.

forgotten classic.......2000-10-01

When we were kids, we had a card game called Authors. I think the object was to be able to name the works of famous authors. At any rate, there were three titles that always seemed especially enticing: Idylls of the King, The Heart of Midlothian and Tales of the Alhambra.

Thirty years later, I picked this one up with some trepidation; we've all struggled through classics of two hundred years ago, baffled by arcane language & outdated usages. However, to my very pleasant surprise, the book is terrific, combining an Iberian travelogue with delightful tales and legends of Moorish Spain. Irving's travels are interesting enough in themselves, but it is the tales, which have everything from flying carpets to hidden treasure, that really make the book.

Book Description

Washington Irving's dreamlike description of Spain's Granada and the beautiful Moorish castle, the Alhambra, remains one of the most entertaining travelogues ever written. Enhanced here with exquisite Spanish guitar music, the narrative is a heady mix of fact, myth, and depictions of secret chambers, desperate battles, imprisoned princesses, palace ghosts, and fragrant gardens, described in a wistful and dreamlike eloquence, will transport listeners to a paradise of their own.

Customer Reviews:

Part Spanish Arabian Nights, Part Travel Writing, All Wonderful.......2007-06-03

Long on myth. Short on facts........2006-11-03

Washington Irving is credited with bringing the glorious history and unbelievable beauty of the Alhambra, in the city of Granada, (the last stronghold of the Moors in the South of Spain) to Western conciousness.

After spending a day at the Alhambra last Summer, and passing by the closed apartments that he occupied, I decided to listen to his book while driving one hour each way to work. (any short trips won't work because all of the 'tales' are lengthy)

My title says it all. If you are a student of dry history this book is not for you. Only about 20-30 minutes will satisfy your curiosity for the facts. If you enjoy legend and lore this book is it. The bulk of the book tells numerous stories of princes and princeses, kings and soldiers, common laborers such as mule drivers and water carriers, loves found and loves lost, and especially the perrenial human lust for long lost and buried treasure, etc., all told with a wonderous style and feel for southern Spain of the 13-th to 15-th centuries.

The factual account of how Columbus finally came to agreement with Isabella and Ferdinand to sign the contract for the three ships, almost by chance in 1492, while the two sovereigns were outside Granada laying the final siege of the Alhambra fortress, is mind blowing. History came 'that close' to having Columbus sail three French ships instead of the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria.

If you want just the facts, look elsewhere. But if you are planning a trip to Granada and the Alhambra, definitely pick up this book, along with a second, more fact based, and give a read or listen. I wish I had done that before my trip. It would have given much more life and enjoyment to the place as I walked through the various rooms and towers and gardens that Irving so lovingly describes.

Wonderful.......2006-08-24

I am a Moor and I relate to the stories well. The stories reminded me of the things to avoid for the things that will come. A Moorish Empire will rise again.
Irving starts with his personal journey then he has several stories of gallant and modest characters which makes you feel your in the garden or the palace. It brings back what love was and how it should be. I really like the story of the Father striving to keep his son from learning about love. I know no matter what you do you can never lock love away because of its power and its vast estate one would have to know it is impossible. This is a worth while reader for anyone who knows and wants the best from humanity for it is the Moors who created civilization and it is their station to restore it.

A Classic Written by an American Classical Author!.......2005-01-04

This wonderful book written by a well-loved American author details his travels in Spain, and more specifically in the Castle Alhambra. These tales are delightful, and seemlessly weave from fact to fiction to history to folklore. It is a true travel log, done oh so many years ago, and done with Irving's whimcical and enchanting style. The sketches give a good description of Spain and travel in the early 1800's. Older children and adolescents would probably enjoy these sketches.

Tales of the Alhanbra used book.......2004-08-04

On 7/24/04 through Amazon Marketplace I purchased this used book.
It arrived within the week and was excellently packed and shipped by bea4books@yahoo.com. A lovely "Thanks for Buying!" note was included with the invoice. The book is in very good condition with wonderful pictures. A surprise was that it had belonged to the Austin Public Library - a favorite city of mine. I'll be ordering more through you! Thank you.

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A Spicy Brew
Mystery and Romance in Rural Settings
Proof of the talent of an important American author

The Complete Tales of Washington Irving
Washington Irving
Manufacturer: Da Capo Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0306808404

Customer Reviews:

A Spicy Brew.......2005-06-23

Some give the sheaf to Charles Brockden Brown but I far prefer the mellow stylings of Washington Irving, the sage of Tarrytown. When I was a boy I was introduced to this splendid body of work by one of my grade school teachers, a collateral relative of Washington Irving, a man who hailed from upstate New York and who carried in his bloodlines some of the authentically spooky platelets of colonial America. During the Napoleonic period the US was not necessarily a pretty place to live in, and Irving's famous story THE HEADLESS HORSEMAN shows us some of the dark underbelly of American life. You really weren't safe out of your own good, and at night travel was even more dangerous. Plus, as anyone who's read the story of Ichabod Crane knows, people were just as prone to jeer and mock the funny-looking as they are today. The story is heartbreaking on two levels, the naturalistic and the symbolic. We all know someone like Ichabod Crane, and many of us find ourselves mirrored in his lonely gaze and terrifying gallop through Hessian country. Irving, like Hawthorne, wrote out many of his tales swearing they were as "his grandfather told him," and thus they are set in a period before his own, a misty place of the past that he knew how to make terrifyingly real and relevant.

My teacher also reminded us that Washington Irving was a very cultured man who believed, like Johnny Appleseed, in planting America with the fruits of other, older lands, so that among his stories you will find some from Europe, re-told to make them apropos and socially relevant for the rawness of a new world.

For horror and fright Washington Irving has few rivals, and the bonus is an added richness as of old apples carpeting a winter meadow, and thus this book, edited by a Twain expert, smells like spicy cider on New Years Eve; lots of good cheer along with your ghosts.

Mystery and Romance in Rural Settings.......2004-01-19

(This review refers to the PUFFIN Anthology.)

This Puffin anthology presents five of Irving's short stories--tales of fantasy, legend and unrequited love--all set in rural New York and Europe, orignally published in 1820. His literary genius
was quickly evident; the elegant style contributed to his
accolade as "the father of American literature." Despite minimal dialogue the author captivates serious readers with his lush descriptions of scenery, bizarre twists of fate or

imagination, often interspersed with touches of wry humor.

Examining the follies of the human mind, as well as the foibles of the human heart, Irving has chosen the following subjects:
romance, ghosts, ambition, naivety, and pedantry. RIP VAN WINKLE and THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW are set in Dutch New York; THE SPECTRE BRIDEGROOM in the forests of Germany. THE PRIDE OF THE VILLAGE takes place in rural, Hardyesque England, while MOUNTJOY returns readers to Yankee New York state. This anthology provides delectable reading for an armchair by the hearth--especially in chilly, hobgoblin weather--by a premier raconteur
and US diplomat.

Proof of the talent of an important American author.......1998-04-11

This wonderful collection proves once and for all that there is more to Irving than "Rip Van Winkle" and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow". The stories contained within this volume are wonderfully told and sparkle with imagination. The pieces from "The Alahambra" were the most impressive.

Diedrich Knickerbocker's History of New York

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Diedrich Knickerbocker's History of New York
Washington Irving
Manufacturer: Heritage Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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A classic!

Tales of the Alhambra
Washington Irving
Manufacturer: Marques de Mondejar
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Iberia
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ASIN: 8471690209

Customer Reviews:

A classic!.......2005-10-02

This paperback edition published in Spain (in English), edited by Manuel Sanchez, has many very nice color engravings from Roberts, Lewis and Dore, which really add a lot to the reader's enjoyment.

The Alhambra,: Tales and sketches of the Moors and Spaniards, (The home library)

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The Alhambra,: Tales and sketches of the Moors and Spaniards, (The home library)
Washington Irving
Manufacturer: A.L. Burt Company
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Binding: Unknown Binding

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ASIN: B000855RL4

Washington Irving : History, Tales, and Sketches (Library of America)

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Knickerbocker's History of New York is an overlooked classic

Washington Irving : History, Tales, and Sketches (Library of America)
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Manufacturer: Library of America
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ASIN: 0940450143

Book Description

A writer of great urbanity and poise, Washington Irving was America's first internationally acclaimed man of letters. Here in one volume are the writings that established his reputation and earned him the admiration of Hawthorne, Poe, Coleridge, Byron, Scott, and Dickens. Written in the character of an elderly gentleman of the old school, "Letters of Jonathan Oldstyle, Gent." is a series of comic reports on the theater, theater-goers, fashions, balls, courtships, duels, and marriages of his contemporary New York. "Salmagundi" continues this roguish style of satire and burlesque, and its freshness, energy, and accomplishment took the Anglo-American literary scene by storm. "A History of New York," a wild and hilarious spoof combining real New York history with political satire, is presented here in its original, unexpurgated version. "The Sketch Book" is a brilliant, captivating story collection that draws on vanishing folkways, depictions of Hudson Valley life, and fable; it contains Irving's best-loved stories, "Rip Van Winkle" and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow."

Customer Reviews:

Knickerbocker's History of New York is an overlooked classic.......2000-05-12

[I recommend this anthology specifically for "Diedrich Knickerbocker's History of New York," which was not listed by amazon.com as a separate title.]

Irving is best-known for his short stories, which are excellent examples of folk literature (and not likely the sole product of Irving's imagination). "History of New York," however, is what established his reputation in his own lifetime. It was the first real American bestseller and the first American novel to garner critical respect overseas. Irving's ingenious marketing scheme for the novel (placing a series of letters in New York newspapers concerning the disappearance of the book's supposed author, Diedrich Knickerbocker) was the first instance of off-the-book page publicity in America and its success (it created a veritable frenzy upon the novel's publication) would not be duplicated for many, many years.

The novel itself is funny, acerbic, charming and illuminating. Working in the tradition of European satire, Knickerbocker's History is nonetheless distinctly American. Some knowledge of early American history will enhance your understanding of the novel (by helping you recognize which American public figures the Dutch governors are standing in for), but it is not necessary to an appreciation of the novel on its own terms. The book was published in several (revised) editions. I recommend seeking out the 1809 or 1812 edition, as Irving toned down his political arguments in later versions (though the comparison between early versions and the 1848 edition is also worth noting). This anthology contains the 1809 edition of the novel.

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