Captivating tales from America's first popular author transport readers back to the Dutch communities of the Hudson Valley: "Rip Van Winkle," "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," "The Spectre Bridegroom," and "Mountjoy."

Rip Van Winkle was a well-known man to those of his village. One day, he and his dog Wolf took a walk in the woods near his home. What neither of them could imagine was that one decision would change their lives forever. Here in this richly illustrated book for young readers, Rip Van Winkle’s story is told using easy-to-read language that engages the young mind and introduces them to this much-loved American legend.

Rip Van Winkle, the incorrigible character from the early American short story, lived in the years before and after the American Revolution. However, he slept through the war, thanks to some mysterious bearded men in the Catskill Mountains! This compelling retelling of the famous legend, first published in 1819, will entertain readers as well as inform them about the life of storyteller Washington Irving. The engaging design and text are supported by colorful photographs and illustrations of Irving's famous creation.

'I'm not myself - I'm somebody else - that's me yonder - no - that's somebody else got into my shoes...I can't tell what's my name, or who I am!' Touching and comic short stories from the 19th century American master of the genre. One of 46 new books in the bestselling Little Black Classics series, to celebrate the first ever Penguin Classic in 1946. Each book gives readers a taste of the Classics' huge range and diversity, with works from around the world and across the centuries - including fables, decadence, heartbreak, tall tales, satire, ghosts, battles and elephants.

“Rip Van Winkle” and “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by Washington Irving were first published in 1819. Since then they have been adapted and interpreted in countless ways—from the comical to the serious and for the very young to the adult. The versions that follow are the original—only dated vocabulary has been simplified so that modern readers can better understand and appreciate these classic stories. End notes, discussion of major themes, and a short biography follow the texts.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Rip Van Winkle, and Tales of a Traveller is a timeless collection of short stories written by Washington Irving, one of America's foremost literary figures. Originally published in the early years of XIX century, this collection has captivated readers for centuries with its haunting and humorous tales that have become iconic pieces of American literature. The book begins with the legendary tale of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, set in a small village in New York state. The story follows the adventures of Ichabod Crane, a superstitious schoolteacher who becomes infatuated with a local beauty, Katrina Van Tassel. However, Crane's pursuit of Katrina is threatened by the presence of a legendary headless horseman who haunts the village at night. With its eerie atmosphere and vivid description of the supernatural, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow has become a classic Halloween read and has been adapted into multiple films and television shows. The second story in this collection is Rip Van Winkle, a beloved American folktale that tells the story of a man who falls asleep for 20 years and wakes up to a completely changed world. Set in the countryside of New York, this story is a humorous and satirical commentary on the American Revolution and the changes that occurred in society during this time. Rip Van Winkle's character is an embodiment of the American spirit of independence and his journey highlights the country's transition from a British colony to a newly formed nation. The remaining tales in this collection, collectively known as Tales of a Traveller, showcase Irving's talent for storytelling and his keen observations of human nature. Written in the form of travelogues, these stories take readers on a journey through Europe and the Middle East, exploring themes of love, adventure, and human folly. Through his vivid descriptions and sharp wit, Irving paints a vivid picture of the places he visited and the people he encountered, creating a sense of wonder and escapism for readers. What makes this collection truly remarkable is not just the timeless stories it contains, but also the imaginative and eloquent writing style of Washington Irving. His use of descriptive language, wit, and humor bring the stories to life and transport readers to another time and place. Through his writing, Irving captures the essence of American folklore and showcases the diversity of the American landscape and its people. Moreover, this collection has had a lasting impact on American literature and popular culture. It has inspired countless adaptations, from movies and TV shows to stage productions and even an amusement park ride. Irving's tales have also influenced numerous other writers, including Edgar Allan Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne, and continue to be studied and appreciated by readers of all ages. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Rip Van Winkle, and Tales of a Traveller is a must-read for anyone interested in American literature, folklore, or simply looking for a good scare. Through its timeless stories, vivid imagery, and masterful storytelling, this collection remains a significant piece of American literary history and a testament to Washington Irving's enduring legacy.

The most beloved American comedic actor of the nineteenth century, Joseph Jefferson made his name as Washington Irving's Rip Van Winkle. In this book, a compelling blend of biography and theatrical and cultural history, Benjamin McArthur chronicles Jefferson's remarkable career and offers a lively and original account of the heroic age of the American theatre. Joe Jefferson's entire life was spent on the stage, from the age of Jackson to the dawn of motion pictures. He extensively toured the United States as well as Australia and Great Britain. An ever-successful career (including acclaim as painter and memoirist) put him in the company of the great actors, artists, and writers of the day, including Edwin Forrest, Edwin Booth, John Singer Sargent, and William Dean Howells. This book rescues a brilliant figure and places him, appropriately enough, on center stage of a pivotal time for American theatre. McArthur explores the personalities of the period, the changing theatrical styles and their audiences, the touring life, and the wide and varied culture of theatre. Through the life of Jefferson, McArthur is able to illuminate an era.