You are probably familiar with the popularized versions of Rip Van Winkle and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, but have you ever heard the original, unabridged stories by Washington Irving? The skillfully written and colorful original tales have much more meaning and depth. In Rip Van Winkle Irving makes a profound social comment about the changes then happening in America, and Sleepy Hollow isn't just a chilling tale about a Headless Horseman but an enchanting story about two rival suitors.

Equally enjoyable tales of suspense and the supernatural included in this collection include The Spectre Bridegroom, The Adventure of the German Student, The Devil and Tom Walker, The Adventure of the Mason, Legend of the Rose of Alhambra, The Governor and the Notary, and Governor Manco and the Soldier.

These stories demonstrate just why Washington Irving is widely recognized as the "Father of American Literature".