Subject: English: Literature & Writing

English Studies Series

Washington Irving: Behind "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow"

"Recommended. This is a fitting tribute to the 'Father of American Literature,' Washington Irving." -Ed. Media Review
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, along with Rip Van Winkle, originally published in 1819, were two short stories from Washington Irving's, The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent; Crayon being a pseudonym used by Irving for five separate books. Irving's "Sketch Book" brought him fame as America's first internationally best-selling author; he in fact was the first American author to earn his living solely by writing and has been called the "Father of American Literature," as well as the first "American Man of Letters." The Legend of Sleepy Hollow remains one of the most popular short stories ever told and its cast of characters, Ichabod Crane, Katrina Van Tassel, Brom Bones, and the Headless Horseman, are legendary figures in literature. Here, we visit three National Historic Landmarks in Tarrytown, NY: the 300+-year-old Old Dutch Church of Sleepy Hollow, its historic graveyard, and Washington Irving's home, Sunnyside, which provide the fascinating background to the legend; also, thanks to the generosity of Historic Hudson Valley and the assistance of a President of the Old Dutch Church Burying Ground, Mr. William Lent, this program reveals how Washington Irving decided upon his characters for this beloved short story. Produced by Chip Taylor. 08DR IJSCA 15 min. Also available in Spanish
Also See: A Sleepy Hollow Memorial
Associated Movie: Sleepy Hollow - starring Johnny Depp, Christina Ricci and Miranda Richardson