In Irving's great work, The Sketch Book, fictional historian Diedrich Knickerbocker introduces us to Rip van Winkle, the Dutch colonist who slept through the Revolutionary War; Ichabod Crane, the superstitious, social-climbing schoolmaster; and the pumpkin-topped Headless Horseman, ancestor to countless horror film antiheroes. In addition to 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' and 'Rip Van Winkle', The Sketch Book touches on cultural and historical concerns that remain compelling, thanks to Irving's modern outlook and impressive foresight.

This new edition, with an introduction from Elizabeth L. Bradley, demonstrates how inextricably Irving's writings are woven into the fabric of American culture - high and low.

With an introduction by Irving expert Elizabeth L. Bradley, this new edition of Irving's greatest work demonstrates how inextricably his tales are woven into the fabric of American culture and celebrates his enduring contributions to the dream life of a nation.

About the Author

Washington Irving (1783-1859), one of America's first successful professional writers, was born and raised in New York City. He also spent time in London and served as a diplomatic attache in Spain. Best known today for his tales, he was equally famous in life for his sketches of European life and his biographies of historical figures.

Elizabeth Bradley is the editor of the Penguin Classics edition of Irving's A History of New York (2008).

Reviews
"Washington Irving... makes Nathaniel Hawthorne read like Dr. Seuss!"



Book Information
ISBN 9780143107538
Author Washington Irving
Format Paperback
Page Count 384
Imprint Penguin Classics
Publisher Penguin Books Ltd
Weight(grams) 277g
Dimensions(mm) 197mm * 130mm * 18mm