The Classic Collection of Washington Irving

The Classic Collection of Washington Irving gathers the most beloved and enduring works of one of America's earliest and most influential storytellers. This edition includes timeless tales such as The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Rip Van Winkle, The Christmas Stories, and many others that helped shape the landscape of American literature. Irving's stories blend gentle humor, gothic atmosphere, and vivid historical detail, drawing readers into early American life and folklore. In The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, he introduces the unforgettable figure of Ichabod Crane and the spectral Headless Horseman, capturing the eerie charm of a rural New York village. Rip Van Winkle, a whimsical tale of a man who sleeps through decades of change, explores themes of time, identity, and transformation. Beyond the famous tales, Irving's Christmas stories reflect his love of tradition and nostalgia, evoking the warmth, festivities, and quiet beauty of the holiday season. His prose is elegant and accessible, making his work a pleasure to read aloud or rediscover in quiet contemplation. This collection is a perfect introduction to Irving's literary genius, offering stories that continue to enchant, amuse, and resonate across generations. It is both a tribute to a foundational figure in American letters and a celebration of storytelling at its finest. Contents • The Legend of Sleepy Hollow • Rip Van Winkle • Tales of the Alhambra • Preface to the Revised Edition • Palace of the Alhambra • Inhabitants of the Alhambra • Alhamar, the Founder of the Alhambra • Yusef Abul Hagig, the Finisher of the Alhambra • Public Fêtes of Granada • Local Traditions • Legend of the Arabian Astrologer • Legend of Prince Ahmed al Kamel or, The Pilgrim of Love • Legend of the Moor's Legacy • Legend of the Three Beautiful Princesses • Legend of the Rose of the Alhambra • Legend of the Two Discreet Statues • Legend of Don Munio Sancho de Hinojosa • The Legend of the Enchanted Soldier • The Author's Farewell to Granada • The Christmas Stories • Christmas • The Stage-Coach • Christmas Eve • Christmas Day • The Christmas Dinner