Prepare to tremble and tremor with this `Classic Horror Collection' from some of fiction's spookiest of writers. In `The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' we'll question morals and might amongst scary situations when a schoolmaster takes a liking to a student. We'll also explore the alluring pull of desire and greed in `The Monkey's Paw'. But be careful what you wish for. You might wake some sleeping souls from the dead...From discovering the mysterious attempted murder in Edgar Allen Poe's ´The Tell-Tale Heart´ to experiencing strange evil encounters in `The Turn of the Screw', this collection is packed with powerful and petrifying stories. Taking us on a dark and dangerous one-way ride through sinister, spooky, and suspicious tales, this `Classic Horror Collection' is the perfect companion for fans of `The Conjuring' and `The Nun'.H. G. Wells (1866-1946) was an English writer and Noble Prize in Literature nominee, prolific across several genres and celebrated as the father of science fiction. Edgar Allen Poe (1809-1849) was an American writer and poet. Best known for his tales of mystery and macabre, his works span `The Raven', `The Murders in the Rue Morgue', and `The Purloined Letter'.Henry James (1843-1916) was an American-British author, regarded as a key literary figure between realism and literary modernism. His works span `The Portrait of a Lady', `The Ambassadors´, and `The Wings of Love'.Washington Irving (1783- 1859) was an American short-story writer and essayist. A prolific author, Irving wrote `The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent', `The Legend of Sleepy Hollow', and `Rip Van Winkle.'William Wymark Jacobs (1863-1943) was an English author of short fiction and drama. He is best remembered for his horror story `The Monkey's Paw' and ghost stories `The Toll House' and `The Skipper's Wooing'.

Welcome to the Jazz Age in the Big Smoke. Or the Big Apple. Whatever you want to call it, just make sure your stockings are tight and your hat is held high!We'll start our journey exploring high society in Edith Wharton's `The Age of Innocence' before attending the most dazzling and daring party of them all in F. Scott Fitzgerald's `The Great Gatsby'. While Henry James' ´Washington Square´ will see interfering fathers attempt to thwart the path of love, we'll encounter two very different visions of how to change and champion New York's society in William Dean Howell's `A Hazard of New Fortunes'. Lastly, we'll return to the rotten roots of New York's foundations in Washington Irving's `A History of New York'. It will make you stop, think, and reimagine the concrete jungle as we know it today.`Cities in Literature: New York' is not only the perfect historical companion for fans of `The Big Short' starring Ryan Gosling, Christian Bale, and Brad Pitt but essential reading for fans of Leonardo DiCaprio in the smash-hit film `The Great Gatsby'.Henry James (1843-1916) was an American-British author, regarded as a key literary figure between realism and literary modernism. His works span `The Portrait of a Lady', `The Ambassadors', and `The Wings of Love'.Washington Irving (1783- 1859) was an American short-story writer, essayist, and diplomat. A prolific author, Irving wrote `The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent', `The Legend of Sleepy Hollow', and `Rip Van Winkle.'Edith Wharton (1862-1937) was an American novelist, short story writer, and the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Literature. Her work spans `The Age of Innocence', `The House of Mirth', and `Ethan Frome'.F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896-1940) was an American novelist and short story writer. He is celebrated for his novels depicting the flamboyance and excess of the Jazz Age, most notably with `The Great Gatsby'.William Dean Howells (1837-1920) was an American novelist and playwright nicknamed `The Dean of American Letters'. His works span 'Christmas Every Day', 'The Rise of Silas Lapham', and 'A Traveler from Altruria'.

An imaginary historian. One immaculately imagined history.Told from the invented Dutch historian Diedrich Knickerbocker's perspective, Washington Irving's `A History of New York' weaves a rip-roaringly funny and dangerously dark account of the rise - and fall- of The Big Apple. Kick-starting with the creation of the world, we follow the origins of life and love as we know it, through to the new world discoveries and dangers of the Dutch Dynasty. Crafting a tale full of mystery and might, Irving's satirical `A History of New York' is ideal for American literature fans of Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Day-Lewis, Cameron Diaz and Jim Broadbent in `Gangs of New York'.Washington Irving (1783- 1859) was an American short-story writer, essayist, biographer, historian, and diplomat of the early 19th century. A prolific author, Irving wrote `The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent', `The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' and `Rip Van Winkle.' Whilst his celebrated historical biographies span Oliver Goldsmith, Muhammad and George Washington, his 15th-century histories of Span explore Alhambra, Christopher Columbus and the Moors. Having served as American ambassador to Spain in the 1840s, Irving remains a rich cultural insight into both American and Spanish history. His human touch and deep emotional insight are reflected throughout his thought-provoking novels.

Royaume de Grenade. - Tribut qu'il payait à la couronne de Castille. Si l'histoire des guerres qui ont étonné le monde et changé les destinées des empires a toujours été considérée comme un sujet digne d'occuper le sage, quel intérêt ne doit pas présenter une guerre sainte, entreprise par un roi catholique pour rendre la lumière de la foi au royaume de Grenade, l'une des plus belles régions du globe, alors plongée dans les ténèbres de l'erreur ! Fruit d'une sélection réalisée au sein des fonds de la Bibliothèque nationale de France, Collection XIX a pour ambition de faire découvrir des textes classiques et moins classiques dans les meilleures éditions du XIXe siècle.

Le Coran regroupe les paroles de Dieu qui auraient été révélées au prophète et messager de l'islam Mahomet par l'archange Gabriel. Cette révélation s'étend sur une période de vingt-trois ans. Le prolifique auteur et historien américain Washington Irving, qui consacra ses dernières années à l'étude de l'islam, nous raconte avec un talent sincère et une érudition rare, l'histoire de la vie du prophète Mahomet et de plusieurs personnes qui l'ont suivi. Contenant : Avant-propos ; I Notice préliminaire sur l'Arabie et les Arabes ; II Naissance et famille de Mahomet, Son enfance ; III Traditions concernant la Mecque et la Kaaba ; IV Premier voyage de Mahomet avec la caravane allant en Syrie ; V Occupations commerciales de Mahomet, son mariage avec Kadichah ; VI Conduite de Mahomet après son mariage Il rêve une réforme religieuse Ses habitudes d'abstraction solitaire La vision de la caverne Son annonciation comme prophète ; VII Mahomet inculque ses doctrines secrètement et lentement Il reçoit d'autres révélations et de nouveaux ordres Il annonce sa mission à ses parents De quelle façon on le reçoit Enthousiaste dévouement d'Ali Sinistres présages chrétiens ; VIII Quelques mots sur la foi musulmane etc. Nouv. éd. entièrement revue et corrigée. Format professionnel © Ink Book édition.

The famous Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain, served as the major influence for this collection of essays and sketches by Washington Irving. Blending history, myth, and natural descriptions, Irving's book became an indispensable attribute of the city's newsstands and boutique shops. The truthful and picturesque account of the palace, the book is often deemed responsible for the revival of interest in this masonry of old. The pages are saturated with Irving's own personal account during his stay, turning this work into a magical adventure for readers and tourists alike. Versatile as the subject matter of his literary oeuvre, the name of Washington Irving still echoes in the corridors of the American literary canon. Having earned special status as a man of letters in America and Europe alike, Irving's fame stems primarily from his short stories "Rip Van Winkle" and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow". An avid biographer and historian, his influence can be felt within a vast group of American and British authors such as Nathaniel Hawthorne, E. A. Poe, Charles Dickens, and Sir Walter Scott.

Assister à de nouvelles scènes, observer des caractères et des moeurs inconnus, eut toujours beaucoup d'attrait pour moi. Je n'étais encore qu'un enfant que déjà je commençais à voyager, à faire de nombreuses excursions. J'allais à la découverte des parties non visitées, des régions ignorées de ma ville natale, le tout à la fréquente alarme de mes parents et au profit du crieur public. En grandissant j'étendis le cercle de mes observations.Fruit d'une sélection réalisée au sein des fonds de la Bibliothèque nationale de France, Collection XIX a pour ambition de faire découvrir des textes classiques et moins classiques dans les meilleures éditions du XIXe siècle.

Royaume de Grenade. - Tribut qu'il payait à la couronne de Castille.Si l'histoire des guerres qui ont étonné le monde et changé les destinées des empires a toujours été considérée comme un sujet digne d'occuper le sage, quel intérêt ne doit pas présenter une guerre sainte, entreprise par un roi catholique pour rendre la lumière de la foi au royaume de Grenade, l'une des plus belles régions du globe, alors plongée dans les ténèbres de l'erreur !Fruit d'une sélection réalisée au sein des fonds de la Bibliothèque nationale de France, Collection XIX a pour ambition de faire découvrir des textes classiques et moins classiques dans les meilleures éditions du XIXe siècle.

On a trouvé le conte suivant parmi les papiers laissés par feu Diedrich Knickerbocker, vieux citoyen de New-York, qui s'intéressait vivement à tout ce qui se rapporte aux traditions hollandaises du pays, et aux moeurs des descendants de ses premiers colons. Il a poursuivi ses recherches historiques moins cependant dans les livres que parmi les hommes ; les quelques documents qui existent fournissant des renseignements bien moins précieux que ne le font les vieux burghers et leurs femmes, eux-mêmes des documents vivants de ces légendes populaires si précieuses pour l'histoire des moeurs d'une époque. Fruit d'une sélection réalisée au sein des fonds de la Bibliothèque nationale de France, Collection XIX a pour ambition de faire découvrir des textes classiques et moins classiques dans les meilleures éditions du XIXe siècle.

A l'intérieur de la forteresse de l'Alhambra, en face du palais royal, à Grenade, se trouve une vaste esplanade ouverte appelée la Place des Citernes (la Plaza de los Algibes), nom qu'elle doit aux réservoirs d'eau établis sous terre, cachés à la vue, et existant en cet endroit depuis l'époque des Mores. Dans un coin de cette esplanade se voit un puits moresque creusé dans le roc à vif, et dont l'eau est aussi froide que la glace et aussi transparente que le cristal.Fruit d'une sélection réalisée au sein des fonds de la Bibliothèque nationale de France, Collection XIX a pour ambition de faire découvrir des textes classiques et moins classiques dans les meilleures éditions du XIXe siècle.

Alonso de Ojeda, né à Cuença (Nouvelle-Castille), d'une famille respectable, fut élevé, en qualité de page au service de don Luis de Cerda, duc de Medina-Coeli, un des hidalgos les plus puissants du royaume d'Espagne. Le duc de Medina-Coeli, à la tête d'une véritable armée de vassaux, prit part à la guerre de Grenade et se fit un point d'honneur de payer de sa personne dans toutes les circonstances périlleuses. C'est à son école que se forma Alonso de Ojeda. Fruit d'une sélection réalisée au sein des fonds de la Bibliothèque nationale de France, Collection XIX a pour ambition de faire découvrir des textes classiques et moins classiques dans les meilleures éditions du XIXe siècle.

Sous le soleil de Grenade, Le Souterrain de l'Alhambra vous entraîne dans les mystères enfouis de la Place des Citernes, où l’eau pure et les légendes mauresques se mêlent à l’histoire.

1820, vallée de l'Hudson. Ichabod Crane, instituteur superstitieux et rêveur, affronte les ombres d’un village hanté par la rumeur d’un cavalier sans tête.

Découvrez L’Art de faire des livres, un essai littéraire rare où Washington Irving, pionnier des lettres américaines, révèle les secrets et les subtilités de l’écriture.

Rip Van Winkle est un brin paresseux, aimé de tous, et soumis à une épouse exigeante.Un jour pour fuir les contraintes conjugales, il décide de partir chasser l'écureuil accompagné de son chien. En haut de la montagne il rencontre d'étranges personnages réunis autour d'un jeu de quilles. Rip se joint à eux et goûte, à plusieurs reprises, à leurs merveilleuses liqueurs. Puis il s'endort au pied d'un arbre.À son réveil tout le monde a disparu. Ses vêtements sont en lambeaux et une épaisse barbe grise lui descend jusqu'à la poitrine. Lorsqu'il redescend au village il découvre que tous ses amis sont morts à la guerre. Rip a dormi vingt ans...Conte fantastique fondateur de la littérature américaine, « Rip Van Winkle » assurera la renommée de Washington Irving. De nos jours encore cette histoire influence notre perception du monde imaginaire.Washington Irving (1783-1859) est un écrivain américain. Dès son plus jeune âge, il dévore les livres d'aventures (« Robinson Crusoé ») et les contes (« Mille et une nuits »). Alors que sa carrière dans la presse débute, il entreprend un voyage en Europe. À son retour en 1809 il publie « Histoire de New York racontée par Dietrich Knickerbocker » qui lancera toute une école littéraire « Knickerbocker ». Face à son succès, il publie en 1818 « Le Livre de croquis de Geoffrey Crayon, gentleman » qui inclut la fameuse « Légende de Sleepy Hollow ». Il est l'une des premières personnalités du XIXe siècle à parler ouvertement de la dégradation des relations entre les tribus indiennes d'Amérique et les Européens dans « Astoria ».

Dans cette vallée reculée qu'est Sleepy Hollow, quiétude et silence semblent maîtres des lieux. Pas assez, cependant, pour faire oublier les superstitions et légendes qui s'y propagent : la contrée serait en effet ensorcelée, condamnant ses habitants à une existence somnambulique et sous l'influence d'un inquiétant Cavalier sans tête. C'est lui que l'instituteur Ichabod Crane, de passage dans la région, va, un soir, trouver sur son chemin...

Dans cette vallée reculée qu'est Sleepy Hollow, quiétude et silence semblent maîtres des lieux. Pas assez, cependant, pour faire oublier les superstitions et légendes qui s'y propagent : la contrée serait en effet ensorcelée, condamnant ses habitants à une existence somnambulique et sous l'influence d'un inquiétant Cavalier sans tête. C'est lui que l'instituteur Ichabod Crane, de passage dans la région, va, un soir, trouver sur son chemin...

Sur les rives de l'Hudson, le Vallon endormi est l'objet de contes et légendes merveilleuses. L'une de ces histoires raconte qu'un mercenaire décapité hanterait les lieux à la recherche de sa tête... Ichabod Crane, maître d'école plein d'imagination, est friand de ces récits. Une nuit, après avoir été éconduit par la fille du riche fermier Van Tassel qu'il convoite, il est poursuivi à travers les bois par un sombre et mystérieux personnage sur un cheval noir. Le lendemain, Ichabold et son assaillant se sont volatilisés, ne laissant derrière eux qu'une citrouille éclatée. Une question reprend en écho les craintes populaires : le Cavalier sans tête est-il une légende ou une véritable menace ? En rendant hommage aux contes et aux superstitions des campagnes américaines, Washington Irving nous transporte dans un univers envoûtant, où l'humour et l'ironie se mêlent au frisson.

Discover the Enchanting Tale of Rip Van Winkle: A Journey into Sleep and Time"Rip Van Winkle" by Washington Irving is a timeless American short story that transports readers to the early 18th century, blending folklore, history, and fantasy. Set in the Catskill Mountains, the narrative follows Rip Van Winkle, a kind-hearted but restless man who seeks escape from his mundane life and nagging wife. One fateful day, Rip wanders into the mountains and encounters a mysterious group of men playing ninepins. After drinking their strange liquor, he falls into a deep sleep that lasts for twenty years. Upon awakening, Rip finds that everything has changed-his village has evolved, the American Revolution has occurred, and he himself has become a living relic of a bygone era. The story explores themes of change, identity, and the passage of time, capturing the American spirit and the universal human experience of transformation. Irving's vivid storytelling and rich descriptions make this tale a cornerstone of American literature, celebrated for its humor, imagination, and insight into the human condition.Washington Irving (1783-1859) was an influential American author, diplomat, and historian, often regarded as one of the first American writers to gain international fame. Known for his wit and mastery of storytelling, Irving authored numerous works that helped establish American literature, including "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "A History of New York." His writings often draw from American folklore and history, blending realism with romanticism to create enduring stories that continue to captivate readers worldwide. Irving's contributions to literature have cemented his legacy as a pioneer of American storytelling and a key figure in the development of the nation's literary identity.

Discover the haunting tale of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" - a timeless story of mystery, folklore, and the supernatural that has captivated readers for generations.Published in 1820 by Washington Irving, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" is a quintessential American Gothic tale set in the quiet, eerie village of Sleepy Hollow. The story follows Ichabod Crane, a superstitious and lanky schoolteacher, who competes for the affection of Katrina Van Tassel, the daughter of a wealthy farmer. His rivalry with the boisterous Brom Bones culminates in a legendary encounter with the Headless Horseman, a spectral figure said to haunt the area. Irving masterfully weaves local legends and ghostly folklore into a narrative that explores themes of fear, imagination, and the clash between rationality and superstition. The story's vivid descriptions and atmospheric setting evoke a sense of suspense and wonder, making it a staple of American literature and a reflection of early 19th-century American culture. Its enduring appeal lies in its blend of humor, horror, and social commentary, resonating with readers who enjoy tales of the supernatural intertwined with human folly.Washington Irving (1783-1859) was an influential American author, diplomat, and historian, often regarded as one of the first American writers to gain international fame. His works, including "Rip Van Winkle" and "The Sketch Book," helped establish a distinct American literary voice. Irving's storytelling combines humor, folklore, and a keen sense of American identity, making him a foundational figure in American literature. His ability to craft engaging narratives rooted in American settings and legends has left a lasting legacy, inspiring countless writers and readers alike.

"Old Christmas" by Washington Irving is a delightful exploration of the traditional English Christmas, taking readers on a nostalgic journey to the heart of 19th-century holiday celebrations. Renowned for his ability to capture the essence of early American and English culture, Irving, in this charming series of essays and sketches, brings to life the rich, festive traditions of a bygone era. Set in the English countryside, "Old Christmas" is a vivid portrayal of the warmth and cheer of the holiday season. Irving describes with affection and a keen eye for detail the customs and rituals that define an old-fashioned Christmas - from the lively gatherings and bountiful feasts to the singing of carols and decorating of homes. He paints a picture of a time when Christmas was a community-centered festival of joy, full of merriment and goodwill. The book's appeal lies in Irving's masterful storytelling and descriptive prowess, which transport readers to a simpler, more joyous time. His observations are both humorous and poignant, offering a glimpse into the social customs and familial bonds that the holiday season nurtures. "Old Christmas" is a celebration of tradition and a reminder of the enduring charm of Christmas festivities. Ideal for lovers of classic literature and those who yearn for the Christmases of yesteryear, "Old Christmas" is a heartwarming read that captures the spirit and conviviality of the season. It's a literary gem that rekindles the true essence of Christmas - a time of togetherness, reflection, and unabashed joy. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Washington Irving, born on April 3, 1783, in New York City, and died on November 28, 1859, was an American short story writer, essayist, biographer, and historian, widely regarded as the first American man of letters. He achieved international fame for his fictional works, notably "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "Rip Van Winkle," both of which are among the earliest examples of American fiction with enduring popularity. Irving honed his craft in the early 19th century, a time when American literature was still in its infancy. His mastery of satire, folklore, and historical narrative brought a distinct voice to American writing. "The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent.," a collection of 34 essays and short stories, included "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "Rip Van Winkle," and is credited with introducing American folklore into European literary culture. Apart from his literary contributions, Irving served as the U.S. ambassador to Spain from 1842 to 1846. His biographies of George Washington and Christopher Columbus, along with his multi-volume "The Life of George Washington," remain significant historical works. Irving's legacy lies in his pioneering role in American literature, his inventive storytelling, and his ability to capture the imagination of readers across generations.

"The Christmas Stories by Washington Irving: Illustrated" is a delightful collection that brings together the timeless holiday tales penned by the acclaimed American author, Washington Irving. This anthology includes some of Irving's most cherished stories, including "Christmas Eve," "Christmas Day," "The Christmas Dinner," and more. Washington Irving, known for his masterful storytelling, invites readers into the heart of Christmas celebrations in 19th-century America. Through his vivid descriptions and memorable characters, Irving captures the warmth, joy, and festive spirit of the holiday season. In "Christmas Eve," readers are transported to a cozy and traditional Christmas gathering at Bracebridge Hall, where they share in the merriment and traditions of the season. "Christmas Day" continues the festive journey with heartwarming tales of kindness and generosity, reminding us of the true meaning of Christmas. "The Christmas Dinner" and the other stories in this collection evoke the magic of Christmas and the importance of family, community, and goodwill. Irving's vivid storytelling is complemented by beautiful illustrations that enhance the reading experience. "The Christmas Stories by Washington Irving: Illustrated" is a perfect addition to your holiday reading list, offering a nostalgic and heartwarming experience that celebrates the magic of Christmas. These stories continue to resonate with readers of all ages and serve as a reminder of the enduring spirit of the holiday season. Dive into this collection and let Irving's words transport you to a world of festive joy and celebration. Contents: Christmas The Stage-Coach Christmas Eve Christmas Day The Christmas Dinner

Washington Irving's Old Christmas tells of an American's travels through England during the Christmas season. Through a chance meeting with an old friend he is able to experience Christmas in a stately manor house. Through his eyes as a houseguest he glimpses the uniquely British customs and celebrations of Christmas as it would have been experienced during the Middle Ages, rather than in the early 19th century.

Washington Irving is one of early America's most treasured writers. He is best known for his wit and satirical voice. Irving had the extraordinary ability to paint a picture in words on the canvas of the printed page. Irving spent time in England where he wrote some of his best work. This collection includes two of his most famous works: "Rip Van Winkle" and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." In these two classics, set in New York, Irving brings the legends and daily goings on of the early settlers to life in vivid color and detail. Additionally, two of Irving's essays about England, both rural and metropolitan, round out his Trans-Atlantic descriptions of life in a bygone era.

Writing under the pseudonym, Geoffrey Crayon, Washington Irving chronicled his travels through Europe in the early 1820's. He wrote of people he met, places he saw and stories he was told. In fact, much of the work is recounting tales told to him by those with exotic adventures that were waiting to be shared. "Tales of a Traveler" is broken up into four separate parts or "Books," as Irving called them. The final book is almost a post-script to "Knickerbocker's History of New York" as he tells stories and describes Manhattan Island and nearby lands as they were almost two hundred years ago. This rough land, still mostly wilderness, had the fingerprints of the early Dutch colonists evident throughout. To Nancy, whose determination and faith brought her through our darkest hour.

Washington Irving is, arguably, one of America's greatest writers. He spent many years in Europe and kept records of his observations, which formed the basis of such classics as "Old Christmas," "Bracebridge Hall" and "Tales of a Traveler." This volume is the latest entry in a series of collected essays written during these early years. The fragility of the heart forms the basis of many of these short stories. Irving handles the issues of love, heartbreak and death in a caring and compassionate way.

Everyone knows the story of the Headless Horseman but perhaps you, like me, did not remember what a marvelous story teller Washington Irving was. He observed human nature closely and like any good humorist, lets us laugh at our own silly and superstitious sides through the joy of having strangers be the ones to display them. If you, like me, have only vague and muddy memories of this story, you owe it to yourself to listen and laugh along with the rest of the world. My High School English teacher who could never interest me in 'literature', would be proud.

The Letters of Jonathan Oldstyle, Gent. is a compilation of eight humorous and observational letters written by American writer, Washington Irving, under the pseudonym, Jonathan Oldstyle. These eight letters and one additional were first published as a series of "Letters to the Editor" of the New York paper, The Morning Chronicle, between 1802 and 1803. In them Oldstyle skewered the local New York social scene on the topics of etiquette, marriage, fashion, and other particulars of human interaction. Most of Oldstyle's observations took place in the theatre, but really had less to do with that venue and more to do with an analysis of men and women acting out their own particular roles in life. At times this letter-writing Oldstyle had a bit of help from his good friend, the inimitable Andrew Quoz . Together they subverted the status quo of theatre criticism in New York, and placed social behavior in the limelight, figuratively speaking. These letters were Irving's first foray into published writing; he was 19 at the time. He would later pen Rip Van Winkle and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.

Famed American humorist Washington Irving published a series of short stories telling of his adventures traveling from America to England. This volume contains some of his observations about that trip, including his impressions of the English countryside, the differences between the wealthy and the poor, rural customs, and other aspects of British culture. During a visit to the library located in the depths of Westminster Abbey, Irving muses on the issue of why some examples of English literature stand the test of time, while others are lost to history. The collection concludes with Irving's memories of his visit to Stratford-on-Avon, the home of William Shakespeare, and the nearby communities that influenced some of Shakespeare's work.

Please note: This audiobook has been created using AI voice. Initially published throughout 1819 and 1820, The SketchBook is a collection of 34 essays and short stories, collected and ordered according to the Author's Revised Edition published in 1848. The SketchBook is the first publication to use Irving's pseudonym Geoffrey Crayon, which he would carry into later works. The stories vary in nature, from the comical "The Mutability of Literature" to the eerie and seemingly supernatural "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," but the personality of their narrator, Geoffrey Crayon, connects the stories and attracts their readers. Some stories are written on American topics, forming the need for separate American and English editions, and others consist of English life and landscape, written from the perspective of living in England for a time. Two of the stories, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "Rip Van Winkle," are Irving's most wellknown works, and are presented as posthumous writings of fictional Dutch historian Diedrich Knickerbocker. From these stories came the iconic characters Rip Van Winkle, Ichabod Crane, and the Headless Horseman.

When a young teacher decides to come work in a secluded Dutch village, little does he know that his stay there will change his life forever. Set among tales of ghosts and supernatural beings, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" is a short story whose setting soon begins to play tricks on the protagonist. The chilling story of the Headless horseman is a perfect reading for Halloween or a dark and stormy night. What is more, Irving's tale inspired many big and small screen adaptations, the most popular one being Tim Burton's movie from 1999. Recommended to readers and fans of supernatural fiction. B. J. Harrison started his Classic Tales Podcast back in 2007, wanting to breathe new life into classic stories. He masterfully plays with a wide array of voices and accents and has since then produced over 500 audiobooks. Now in collaboration with SAGA Egmont, his engaging narration of these famous classics is available to readers everywhere. Versatile as the subject matters of his literary oeuvre, the name of Washington Irving (1783-1859) still echoes in the corridors of the American literary canon. Having earned special status as a man of letters in America and Europe alike, Irving's fame stems primarily from his short stories "Rip Van Winkle" and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow". An avid biographer and historian, his influence can be felt within a vast group of American and British authors such as Nathaniel Hawthorne, E. A. Poe, Charles Dickens, and Sir Walter Scott.

This is a collection of essays, verbal sketches, and stories by Washington Irving. Irving lived at the Alhambra Palace while writing some of the material for his book. In 1828, Washington Irving traveled from Madrid, where he had been staying, to Granada, Spain. At first sight, he described it as "a most picturesque and beautiful city, situated in one of the loveliest landscapes that I have ever seen." He immediately asked the then-governor of the historic Alhambra Palace as well as the archbishop of Granada for access to the palace, which was granted because of Irving's celebrity status. Aided by a 35-year old guide named Mateo Ximenes, Irving was inspired by his experience to write Tales of the Alhambra. Throughout his trip, he filled his notebooks and journals with descriptions and observations though he did not believe his writing would ever do it justice. He wrote, "How unworthy is my scribbling of the place." A commemorative plaque in Spanish at the Alhambra reads, "Washington Irving wrote his Tales of Alhambra in these rooms in 1829". The book was instrumental in reintroducing the Alhambra to Western audiences. (Summary by Wikipedia and David Wales)