Illustration by Barry Moser
My television viewing is primarily PBS (the Public Broadcasting System), Turner Classics, and the Hallmark Channel. While I love mysteries, science fiction and the supernatural are not usually my cup of tea; until now. I can’t explain why, but, a new television series, “Sleepy Hollow“, has caught my attention.
In the series, Washington Irving’s infamous character, Ichabod Crane, rises from his grave of 250 years in modern-day Sleepy Hollow, where he and and Lieutenant Abbie Mill pair up to stop the infamous headless horseman, whose presence foretells the coming of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Great liberties are taken with the series and no one seems to mind that Ichabod Crane continues to stay clothed in Revolutionary War garb, but, there are some witty barbs bantered amongst the witchcraft and evil and, as Ichabod rides in a police car, with Starbucks on every corner, and a police chief named Irving, well, I’m rather hooked.
I realized, in my watching, that while I knew of Irving’s famous American tale, I couldn’t remember ever actually reading “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”. I found a very nice library edition, which included Irving’s other iconic tale, “Rip Van Winkle”, and set about reading Irving’s bewitching story just before Halloween. I was captivated by Washington Irving’s atmospheric imagery and language, which holds up well nearly 200 years after first being published, along with Barry Moser’s wood cuts, one of which is used here.
Have you ever read “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”, been to Sleepy Hollow, Tarry Town, or crossed the Tappaan Zee?
“It was the very witching time of night that Ichabod, heavy-hearted and bedrooped, pursued his travel homewards, along the sides of the lofty hills which rise above Tarry Town, and which he had traversed so cheerily in the afternoon. The hour was as dismal as himself. Far below him the Tappaan Zee spread its dusky and indistinct waste of waters, with here and there the tall mast of a sloop, riding quietly at anchor under the land. In the dead hush of midnight, he could even hear the barking of the watch-dog from the opposite shore of the Hudson . . . No signs of life occurred near him, but occasionally the melancholy chirp of a cricket, or perhaps the guttural twang of a bull frog, from a neighbouring marsh, as if sleeping uncomfortably, and turning suddenly in his bed.”
from The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving
Lifeonthecutoff's Blog 
This sounds as if it has just the right atmosphere for your season, Penny. I guess your own little elf and fairy have now departed. It must have been so lovely to see them.
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It is a good story for this time of year, Juliet, and an American classic.
Yes. Sad-to-say, the little elf and fairy are gone and I miss them so. Each left a something to remind me (a baby sock, a barrette) – and lots of warm memories. Now, I rest.
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[…] Sleepy Hollow […]
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Thank you for linking to me. You have an interesting blog that I will look to spend a bit more time visiting soon.
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I love to read Washington Irving. I was first introduced to him in my parent’s set of “Modern Harvard Classics.” Oh how I wish I had that set of books today. Any way, I have always been on the alert as we travel through the Catskills on our way to and from Canada. It is beautiful and mysterious country. The Headless Horseman did not make an appearance, but I thought I caught a glimpse of Rip Van Winkle until he got in his pick up truck and pulled away. So, I’m guessing it wasn’t Rip after all. I love these stories and love to feel immersed in the language of a bygone era as I read them.
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You’ve mentioned that wonderful set, Janet. What stories you were introduced to as a child from the “Modern Harvard Classics”. One day, you will look up or down, and there it will be, your childhood behind a set of classics. I’ve always known the story of the headless horseman and Ichabod Crane, just never really read it. However did I get through high school American lit not reading it. I know exactly what you mean about being “immersed in the language of a bygone era”, which is exactly how I felt reading this.
We once took a ride past Sleepy Hollow cemetery when visiting our niece and nephew when they lived in New York. It, along with the Ichabod, was buried under several feet of snow, but, there was this same bygone feeling you speak of driving past.
So, Rip is now driving a pick-up truck! Amazing how peppy one feels after such a long nap.
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I don’t think I’ve ever read the actual book, but have read the Classics Illustrated comic book when I was a kid. I still have the Classics Illustrated Rip Van Winkle, another favorite from that era, framed and hanging on my wall. I don’t know why but both of these stories intrigued me to no end when I was young.
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Those Classics comic books introduced many a child to literature, didn’t they, Teresa? This was how I was introduced to the Count of Monte Cristo. I think it is quite grand that you still have Rip Van Winkle and it hangs on your wall; artwork well preserved. The rich language and atmosphere, and the slow telling of a story intrigue me with these two tales. I think they come out of an oral tradition that we no longer listen to.
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I welcome your review, Penny! When I heard about the television show it appealed to me, and I’ve taped the whole season so far…and not yet watched it! I guess I haven’t had a lot of time and wondered if it was worth it. I have found that we like the same things, so I’ll get started on it this weekend. 🙂
I have never read anything but what I think was probably a child’s abridged copy of Irving. I can see the cover in my mind, but I don’t even remember reading it. So many of the classics are free on the Kindle, too, Penny, and I know that you don’t use the Kindle app, but I often do, and if someone else reads my comment I wanted to remind that the classics are almost always free. I guess Mr. Irving doesn’t have descendants renewing his copyright license! I’m going to go check now. 🙂 Enjoy your weekend, my friend.
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It should be more interesting watching it at you leisure, Debra, just don’t watch it with Sophia and Karina around – lots of heads bopping around. I was surprised that I even tuned in, not to mention that I’ve seen all of the episodes and enjoyed them. I did see the first episode twice (I’m a slow learned) which was good as there were things I missed.
That was my reading of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” as well. I’m glad I picked it up. You can actually download the link above to read it, though, I really do need to “get with it” and at least use the Kindle app. Thank you for putting the reminder here for all to see. It is such an iconic American tale, as is “Rip Van Winkle”.
You too, Debra. WE are having the most beautifully sustained autumn here, but, today is windy and cold. Puddles of leaves all over.
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No no and no…. but it’s on my list. My bucket-list reading goal is a list I’ve made of books that I’ve heard of … could even tell you something about ,… but have never actually READ! (Just one little step missing ;>). Right now I am reading “the Old Curiosity Shop” … I started on Dickens last year..
I usually have something modern (not on my list) going at the same time…but I’ve kind of gotten wrapt up in Little Nell and have just been living with her for the last week!
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I have such a list myself, Sallie; all those stories were are familiar with, but have not actually read. “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” was one. I’ve never read “The Old Curiosity Shop”, though I feel I’ve always known Nell. I applaud you and your journey with Dickens. I did read some of his Christmas stories last winter. I think his story of Scrooge is the most known, and among the least read. Good for you.
Enjoy your time with Nell. Let me know how it is going.
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Hi Penny – I have seen the film with Johnny Depp – utterly daft but I’m rather partial to Johnny. However, Washington Irving is a well known name in this part of Spain and there are monuments, houses, pathways, and even streets named after him. I don’t think he was here very long but he certainly made his mark. He even lived in the Alhambra for a while…on the strength of that claim alone, I should probably read his work.
Enjoy the series and thanks for a thought-provoking post. Axxx
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I keep meaning to see that version, Annie. Johnny Depp always bring something different to the roles he plays, doesn’t he?
That is very interesting about Washington Irving. He did spend considerable time “abroad” and in Spain. I had no idea that he is so revered there. “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” is more of short story; a tale. I included a link, so, you can read it online if you are so inclined. It would be so wonderful to see those monuments and such. Thank you for sharing this here, Annie.
Thank you.
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Hello Penny,
I had gotten out my thrift shop Modern Classic Library edition of Irving’s short stories at Halloween. My knowledge of American lit is not what it should be so have never read any of Irving’s work. I was familiar with the quote you included from looking at an old Andy Griffith show where he is trying to read the story to Opie but keeps getting interrupted. I did a superficial scan of the story thinking the quote was at the beginning, never found it, and left the book on the desk. Now I have found it tucked in the body of the story! I will read it and not wait until next Halloween! Thanks again for sending me in the right literary direction!
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Oh, Marilyn, I know that episode of the Andy Griffith show. I wish I had recalled it for this post – and will now be looking for it. I still enjoy watching that show. The quote here is further along in the story, as Ichabod Crane is traveling back to his shelter for the night, and is traveling through the cemetery. I love early American history and tales, so, not sure how I missed this one. The Scarlet Letter and The Lottery always come to mind with I think of high school and American lit. I think this is one of those stories we always know but, never read.
Thank you for you comments on Brittle, Marilyn. Your words touched me – and I want you to know that although we’ve only met on these pages, I consider you a friend and a kindred spirit. My best thoughts come your way.
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Although I’ve of course heard of it, I’d never actually read or heard any of it until last Tuesday, when I lay on my bed after my cataract operation, listening to the radio. Lo and behold, a half-hour reading from The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and very atmospheric it was too!
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Oh, how I would love such a reading, Perpetua. It is a tale, a believe, that should be read aloud. A nice diversion as you recovered, I’m sure. Thanks for sharing that.
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Hi Penny. I haven’t read Irving’s tale but I love the phrase “heavy-hearted and bedrooped’. Thanks for the recommendation – both on the book and the television series. I will wait for it to come out on DVD.
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I felt the same way about that phrase, Belle. The tale is full of them, reminding me of literature I miss at times with popular fiction.
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