Washington Irving

Washington Irving was an American short story writer, essayist, biographer, historian, and diplomat of the early 19th century. He is best known for his short stories 'Rip Van Winkle' and 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,' both of which appear in his collection 'The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent.'

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Sketch Book Of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent.

    The book is a collection of 34 essays and short stories written by an American author, originally published throughout 1819 and 1820. It includes a mix of satire, fantasy, and nostalgic essays, many of which deal with early American rural life and other themes relevant to the post-colonial era. Among its most famous stories are "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "Rip Van Winkle," both of which have become classics of American literature. The book's gentle wit and romanticized descriptions of old England and the American landscape of the author's time have made it a lasting piece of literary artistry.

    The 715th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. Tales Of A Traveller

    A Pilgrimage Beyond the Sea

    The book is a collection of short stories and essays that blend elements of travel narrative, folklore, and Gothic fiction. It features a variety of characters and settings, from the eerie and supernatural to the humorous and satirical. The tales explore themes of adventure, mystery, and the supernatural, often with a touch of irony and wit. Through vivid storytelling, the work captures the imagination and transports readers to different times and places, offering a rich tapestry of human experiences and emotions.

    The 2932nd Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. Stories of Washington Irving

    The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent.

    The book is a collection of short stories penned by one of America's earliest celebrated authors. It includes a variety of tales ranging from the supernatural to historical fiction, all characterized by the author's distinctive narrative style. Some of the most notable stories include a schoolmaster's encounter with a headless horseman, a man who sleeps for twenty years, and a tale of a man who sells his soul to the devil. The stories are set in various locations, from the Hudson Valley to Europe, and they often reflect the author's satirical and humorous view of society.

    The 3282nd Greatest Book of All Time
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  4. 4. Washington Irving's Tales Of The Supernatural

    This collection features a series of eerie and enchanting tales that delve into the supernatural, showcasing Washington Irving's masterful storytelling and rich imagination. The stories explore themes of mystery, folklore, and the unknown, often set against the backdrop of early American landscapes and infused with a sense of historical intrigue. Characters encounter ghosts, specters, and otherworldly phenomena, blending the line between reality and the supernatural. Through vivid descriptions and a touch of humor, the tales captivate readers with their timeless charm and haunting allure.

    The 5180th Greatest Book of All Time
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  5. 5. Tales Of The Alhambra

    A Series of Tales and Sketches of the Moors and Spaniards

    The book is a collection of enchanting stories and reflections inspired by the author's travels and experiences in the Alhambra, a historic palace and fortress in Granada, Spain. Blending history, legend, and personal anecdotes, it captures the mystique and allure of the Alhambra and its surroundings. The narrative weaves together vivid descriptions of the architecture and landscape with tales of romance, adventure, and the supernatural, offering a rich tapestry of the cultural and historical legacy of Moorish Spain. Through these stories, the author evokes the spirit of the Alhambra, bringing to life its past and the enduring magic of its presence.

    The 5180th Greatest Book of All Time
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  6. 6. Bracebridge Hall

    or, The Humorists, A Medley

    The book is a collection of interconnected stories and essays that paint a vivid picture of English country life in the early 19th century. Through the eyes of an American visitor, the narrative explores the charming and idyllic Bracebridge Hall, capturing its quaint traditions, eccentric inhabitants, and the serene beauty of the English countryside. The stories delve into themes of nostalgia, cultural contrasts, and the enduring allure of rural life, offering a gentle critique of both American and British societies while celebrating the timeless joys of family, community, and nature.

    The 13327th Greatest Book of All Time
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  7. 7. A History Of New York

    From the Beginning of the World to the End of the Dutch Dynasty

    The book is a satirical and humorous account of the early history of New York City, presented as a mock-chronicle. It is narrated by the fictional character Diedrich Knickerbocker, who offers a whimsical and exaggerated portrayal of the city's Dutch colonial past. Through playful anecdotes and imaginative storytelling, the narrative pokes fun at historical figures and events, blending fact with fiction to create a comedic and entertaining depiction of New York's origins and development.

    The 13327th Greatest Book of All Time
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  8. 8. The Adventures of Captain Bonneville

    Digested from His Journal and Illustrated from Various Other Sources

    This book chronicles the real-life expeditions of a U.S. Army officer in the American West. The officer, intrigued by the vast frontier, takes a leave of absence from the military to explore the wilderness, trade with Native American tribes, and hunt game. His adventures include encounters with various Native American cultures, survival in harsh conditions, and exploration of uncharted territories. The narrative presents a vivid picture of the American West during the era of Westward Expansion.

    The 16705th Greatest Book of All Time
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  9. 9. Astoria

    Or, Anecdotes of an Enterprise Beyond the Rocky Mountains

    Set against the backdrop of the early 19th century, this historical narrative chronicles the ambitious and perilous expedition led by John Jacob Astor to establish a fur trading empire in the Pacific Northwest. The story captures the trials and tribulations faced by Astor's team as they navigate treacherous landscapes, hostile encounters, and the relentless forces of nature. Through a vivid portrayal of adventure and adversity, the narrative highlights the indomitable spirit of exploration and the relentless pursuit of fortune in the untamed wilderness of America.

    The 16856th Greatest Book of All Time
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  10. 10. Legend Of Sleepy Hollow And Rip Van Winkle

    The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent.

    Set in the early 19th century, this collection of stories explores the eerie and whimsical tales of a quaint American village. The first story follows the superstitious schoolteacher Ichabod Crane, who encounters the legendary Headless Horseman, a ghostly figure said to haunt the area. The second tale revolves around Rip Van Winkle, a man who escapes his nagging wife by wandering into the mountains, only to fall into a deep slumber and awaken twenty years later to a changed world. Both stories blend folklore, humor, and a touch of the supernatural, capturing the essence of early American storytelling.

  11. 11. Jeździec Bez Głowy I Inne Opowiadania

    This collection of stories delves into the mysterious and supernatural, weaving tales that explore the eerie and the unknown. Set against the backdrop of early American landscapes, the narratives often feature characters grappling with the inexplicable, whether it be ghostly apparitions or strange occurrences that defy logic. The stories are rich with atmospheric detail, capturing the essence of folklore and the human fascination with the otherworldly, inviting readers to ponder the thin veil between reality and the supernatural.

  12. 12. Spanish Voyages Of Discovery

    A vivid, narrative history of Spain’s maritime era that follows the bold seafarers and conquistadors who crossed the Atlantic and Pacific in the 15th and 16th centuries, recounting their voyages of navigation, discovery, conquest, and colonization; drawing on chronicles and documents, it dramatizes encounters with indigenous peoples, the hazards of long sea passages, the quest for wealth and glory, and the profound cultural and geopolitical consequences of those expeditions, all told in a lively, picturesque prose that blends historical detail with romantic storytelling.

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  13. 13. The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow And Other Ghostly Tales

    A vivid collection of short tales that mix gentle satire with supernatural chill, set in rustic early American communities where folklore and rumor shape daily life; the best-known story follows the lanky schoolmaster Ichabod Crane and his eerie encounter with a phantom rider, while other pieces—about a man who sleeps through decades and about haunted houses and strange legacies—probe nostalgia, superstition, and the uneasy meeting of old-world legend and a young nation’s changing identity.

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