A Brief History “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” is a short story of speculative fiction by American author Washington Irving (April 3, 1783 – November 28, 1859), contained in his collection of essays and short stories entitled The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent (1819-1820). Although written while Irving was living in Birmingham, England, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” is among the earliest examples of American fiction with enduring popularity, especially during the Halloween season. To that end, the short story is an excellent example of the creation of American culture in the early 19th century! Digging Deeper: “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”…
Author: Washington Irving

Washington Irving
Washington Irving (April 3, 1783 – November 28, 1859) was an American author, essayist, biographer, historian, and diplomat of the early 19th century. He is best known for his short stories "Rip Van Winkle" (1819) and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" (1820). His historical works include biographies of George Washington, Oliver Goldsmith and Muhammad, and several histories of 15th-century Spain dealing with subjects such as Christopher Columbus, the Moors and the Alhambra. Irving served as the U.S. ambassador to Spain from 1842 to 1846.
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