Legends And Lore Of Sleepy Hollow And The Hudson Valley

A storyteller examines Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and the lore that inspired it, as well as other local legends of the Hudson Valley. The story of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman is one of America's best-known fables, but what other stories does the Hudson Valley hold? Imps cause mischief on the Hudson River, a white lady haunts Raven Rock, Major Andre’s ghost seeks redemption and real headless Hessians search for their severed skulls. These mysterious and spooky tales from the region’s past inspired Irving and continue to captivate the imagination to this day. “Kruk has been enchanting audiences with his dramatic, enticing storytelling ability for 20 years.” —Suzanne Rothberg, Tarrytown-Sleepy Hollow Patch

Twenty-five miles north of New York City lie two scenic villages: Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow. These villages, bordering the majestic Hudson River, are rich in the charm and mystery of their shared historic past. From the era of Weckquaesgeek to the close of World War II, Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow depicts scenes of area residents' mothers, fathers, grandparents, and ancestors at work, home, school, and play. Treasured images of Revolutionary War sites, the growing villages, and stately mansions and castles bring the past of Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow to life. Also vividly brought to life is the location Washington Irving made famous with The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.

From the listless repose of the place, and the peculiar character of its inhabitants, who are descendants from the original Dutch settlers, this sequestered glen has long been known by name of Sleepy Hollow... A drowsy, dreamy influence seems to hang over the land, and to pervade the very atmosphere. Washington Irving

Are all the lights on? Is there a parent in the house? Are the windows shut and locked? Double-check! They HAVE to be if you are going to read this book, which is undoubtedly the scariest rendition of one of the greatest ghost stories ever told: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. While you may have heard of Ichabod Crane, Katrina Van Tassel, and the Headless Horseman, you've never SEEN them quite like this. So, take a deep breath and take a long look. And you may want to bring a flashlight to bed with you tonight.... WHY IS THIS EDITION SPECIAL? Because includes: THE AUTHOR'S ACCOUNT OF HIMSELF Where Irving introduces himself to the reader by saying that he has been fond of traveling and observing people and places since he was a child. As a boy he would explore all the different regions of his city and its surrounding country, learning all of the histories and legends of these places. As he grew older he continued to travel and explore, and he explains that had he just been interested in scenery and nature, he never would have felt the need to leave America, which is extremely rich in natural beauty. Irving finds greater charm, however, in the long histories of art, literature, and people to be found in Europe. and THE SPECTRE BRIDEGROOM A short story in where Irving evokes the colorful landscapes of his Hudson Valley hometown, and conjures characters and creatures from its historical past for a unique kind of weird tale that speaks directly to America's experience as a fledgling nation fashioning its own folk heritage

Not rated/stereo/closed captioned/color/51 min.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is a gothic story by American author Washington Irving, first published in 1820. Sleepy Hollow is a strange little place, some say bewitched. Some talk of its haunted valleys and streams, the ghostly woman in white, eerie midnight shrieks and howls, but most of all they talk of the Headless Horseman. A huge, shadowy soldier who rides headless through the night, terrifying unlucky travellers.

A man who sleeps for twenty years in the Catskill Mountains wakes to a much-changed world.