The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Name: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Author: Washington Irving

By Washington Irving

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American Literature Mythology, Legends & Folklore Short Stories

About This Book

The narrative takes place in a drowsy Dutch valley where a lanky, superstitious schoolmaster courts a farmer's daughter while lodging with local families. His mixture of credulity and ambition brings him into comic rivalry with a boastful local suitor. Local supernatural lore centers on a headless rider said to haunt the roads, and after an evening at a harvest party the schoolmaster rides home through a stormy night. Pursued by the spectral horseman, he vanishes mysteriously near the churchyard, leaving behind ambiguous traces and a community divided between rational explanation and lingering superstition.

About the Author

Washington Irving

Washington Irving (1783-1859) was an American author, essayist, and biographer, widely regarded as one of the first American writers to gain international acclaim. He is best known for his short stories, particularly "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "Rip Van Winkle," which reflect his fascination with American folklore and history. Irving's works often blend humor and sentiment, showcasing his keen observations of early American life. In addition to his fiction, he wrote notable biographies, including a multi-volume life of George Washington. His literary contributions helped shape the American literary landscape in the early 19th century.