Which collection of Washington Irving contains The Legend of Sleepy Hollow?

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is a short story by Washington Irving, included in his collection The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent, first published in 1820. The collection is one of Irving’s most famous works, and helped establish his reputation as a writer of fiction and folktales.

The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. is a collection of 34 essays and short stories that was published in several parts between 1819 and 1820. The book was a huge success in both the U.S. and Europe, and played a crucial role in Washington Irving’s career, propelling him to become one of the first American authors to achieve international recognition.

The collection combines various literary genres, including essays, travelogues, stories and short stories. Irving uses an often humorous and satirical tone to explore themes such as culture, tradition, identity and social change.

The short story The Legend of Sleepy Hollow centers on the character of Ichabod Crane, an eccentric and superstitious schoolmaster who lives in the village of Sleepy Hollow, near Tarrytown, New York. Legend tells of the Headless Horseman, a terrifying spectre that haunts the area. The story reaches its climax when Ichabod, after attending a party at Katrina Van Tassel’s house, is pursued by the Headless Horseman on his nocturnal return.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow tackles themes such as superstition, love rivalry and the mysteries of the unknown. The story juxtaposes the rational and the irrational, playing on the fears and popular beliefs of the time. It also explores the tensions between the old world of tradition and the new world of rationality and modernity.

The legend of Sleepy Hollow has become an integral part of American culture, influencing countless adaptations in literature, film, television and even comics. The story of the Headless Horseman is one of America’s most famous ghost stories.

It has been adapted many times, most notably in Tim Burton’s Sleepy Hollow (1999), starring Johnny Depp as Ichabod Crane. The story has also inspired TV series, plays and visual art.

Born in New York in 1783, Washington Irving is often considered the father of American literature. In addition to The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. he is also the author of Rip Van Winkle, another iconic short story from the same collection. Irving spent part of his life in Europe, where he was influenced by European literary traditions, which he adapted and enriched for American audiences.

Irving is known for his fluid narrative style, subtle humor and ability to blend reality and fiction. His works laid the foundations of the American literary tradition, paving the way for authors such as Nathaniel Hawthorne and Edgar Allan Poe.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is a short story written by Washington Irving, included in his collection The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. published in 1820. This collection not only established Irving as one of the first internationally successful American authors, but also introduced stories that have become mainstays of American literary culture. The Legend of the Headless Horseman and the Adventures of Ichabod Crane continue to fascinate readers and influence various media, confirming the enduring importance of this work in literary heritage.

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