Dans cette vallée reculée qu'est Sleepy Hollow, quiétude et silence semblent maîtres des lieux. Pas assez, cependant, pour faire oublier les superstitions et légendes qui s'y propagent : la contrée serait en effet ensorcelée, condamnant ses habitants à une existence somnambulique et sous l'influence d'un inquiétant Cavalier sans tête. C'est lui que l'instituteur Ichabod Crane, de passage dans la région, va, un soir, trouver sur son chemin...
Sur les rives de l'Hudson, le Vallon endormi est l'objet de contes et légendes merveilleuses. L'une de ces histoires raconte qu'un mercenaire décapité hanterait les lieux à la recherche de sa tête... Ichabod Crane, maître d'école plein d'imagination, est friand de ces récits. Une nuit, après avoir été éconduit par la fille du riche fermier Van Tassel qu'il convoite, il est poursuivi à travers les bois par un sombre et mystérieux personnage sur un cheval noir. Le lendemain, Ichabold et son assaillant se sont volatilisés, ne laissant derrière eux qu'une citrouille éclatée. Une question reprend en écho les craintes populaires : le Cavalier sans tête est-il une légende ou une véritable menace ?
En rendant hommage aux contes et aux superstitions des campagnes américaines, Washington Irving nous transporte dans un univers envoûtant, où l'humour et l'ironie se mêlent au frisson.
Plongez en VO dans ces incroyables nouvelles fantastiques, en commençant par le célèbre conte de Washington Irving : Sleepy Hollow. Pour vous aider, des traductions en marge vous permettront de bien comprendre le texte original. Ces textes en VO font partie des lectures imposées pour les classes de Première dans le cadre du nouveau bac de 2020.
Rip Van Winkle est un brin paresseux, aimé de tous, et soumis à une épouse exigeante.Un jour pour fuir les contraintes conjugales, il décide de partir chasser l'écureuil accompagné de son chien. En haut de la montagne il rencontre d'étranges personnages réunis autour d'un jeu de quilles. Rip se joint à eux et goûte, à plusieurs reprises, à leurs merveilleuses liqueurs. Puis il s'endort au pied d'un arbre.À son réveil tout le monde a disparu. Ses vêtements sont en lambeaux et une épaisse barbe grise lui descend jusqu'à la poitrine. Lorsqu'il redescend au village il découvre que tous ses amis sont morts à la guerre. Rip a dormi vingt ans...Conte fantastique fondateur de la littérature américaine, « Rip Van Winkle » assurera la renommée de Washington Irving. De nos jours encore cette histoire influence notre perception du monde imaginaire.Washington Irving (1783-1859) est un écrivain américain. Dès son plus jeune âge, il dévore les livres d'aventures (« Robinson Crusoé ») et les contes (« Mille et une nuits »). Alors que sa carrière dans la presse débute, il entreprend un voyage en Europe. À son retour en 1809 il publie « Histoire de New York racontée par Dietrich Knickerbocker » qui lancera toute une école littéraire « Knickerbocker ». Face à son succès, il publie en 1818 « Le Livre de croquis de Geoffrey Crayon, gentleman » qui inclut la fameuse « Légende de Sleepy Hollow ». Il est l'une des premières personnalités du XIXe siècle à parler ouvertement de la dégradation des relations entre les tribus indiennes d'Amérique et les Européens dans « Astoria ».
Des rivages de Manhattan aux côtes de Long Island, la rumeur va bon train : et si la région regorgeait de trésors ? Enfouis par le capitaine Kidd et ses pirates à la fin du XVIIe siècle, ils attendent leur inventeur, avec le diable en embuscade. Quatrième et dernière partie des Contes d'un voyageur (1824), « Les déterreurs de trésors » met en scène, au fil de cinq récits enchâssés, les aventures burlesques de personnages en quête d'improbables richesses. Loin des pieuses légendes sur les ancêtres puritains, ce contre-récit des origines de New York nous fait remonter à la protohistoire du capitalisme en Amérique.
Édition de Thomas Constantinesco et Bruno Monfort
Please note: This audiobook has been created using AI voice.
Initially published throughout 1819 and 1820, The SketchBook is a collection of 34 essays and short stories, collected and ordered according to the Author's Revised Edition published in 1848. The SketchBook is the first publication to use Irving's pseudonym Geoffrey Crayon, which he would carry into later works.
The stories vary in nature, from the comical "The Mutability of Literature" to the eerie and seemingly supernatural "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," but the personality of their narrator, Geoffrey Crayon, connects the stories and attracts their readers. Some stories are written on American topics, forming the need for separate American and English editions, and others consist of English life and landscape, written from the perspective of living in England for a time.
Two of the stories, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "Rip Van Winkle," are Irving's most wellknown works, and are presented as posthumous writings of fictional Dutch historian Diedrich Knickerbocker. From these stories came the iconic characters Rip Van Winkle, Ichabod Crane, and the Headless Horseman.
"The Christmas Stories by Washington Irving: Illustrated" is a delightful collection that brings together the timeless holiday tales penned by the acclaimed American author, Washington Irving. This anthology includes some of Irving's most cherished stories, including "Christmas Eve," "Christmas Day," "The Christmas Dinner," and more.
Washington Irving, known for his masterful storytelling, invites readers into the heart of Christmas celebrations in 19th-century America. Through his vivid descriptions and memorable characters, Irving captures the warmth, joy, and festive spirit of the holiday season.
In "Christmas Eve," readers are transported to a cozy and traditional Christmas gathering at Bracebridge Hall, where they share in the merriment and traditions of the season. "Christmas Day" continues the festive journey with heartwarming tales of kindness and generosity, reminding us of the true meaning of Christmas.
"The Christmas Dinner" and the other stories in this collection evoke the magic of Christmas and the importance of family, community, and goodwill. Irving's vivid storytelling is complemented by beautiful illustrations that enhance the reading experience.
"The Christmas Stories by Washington Irving: Illustrated" is a perfect addition to your holiday reading list, offering a nostalgic and heartwarming experience that celebrates the magic of Christmas. These stories continue to resonate with readers of all ages and serve as a reminder of the enduring spirit of the holiday season. Dive into this collection and let Irving's words transport you to a world of festive joy and celebration.
Contents:
Christmas
The Stage-Coach
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
The Christmas Dinner
"Old Christmas" by Washington Irving is a delightful exploration of the traditional English Christmas, taking readers on a nostalgic journey to the heart of 19th-century holiday celebrations. Renowned for his ability to capture the essence of early American and English culture, Irving, in this charming series of essays and sketches, brings to life the rich, festive traditions of a bygone era. Set in the English countryside, "Old Christmas" is a vivid portrayal of the warmth and cheer of the holiday season. Irving describes with affection and a keen eye for detail the customs and rituals that define an old-fashioned Christmas - from the lively gatherings and bountiful feasts to the singing of carols and decorating of homes. He paints a picture of a time when Christmas was a community-centered festival of joy, full of merriment and goodwill. The book's appeal lies in Irving's masterful storytelling and descriptive prowess, which transport readers to a simpler, more joyous time. His observations are both humorous and poignant, offering a glimpse into the social customs and familial bonds that the holiday season nurtures. "Old Christmas" is a celebration of tradition and a reminder of the enduring charm of Christmas festivities. Ideal for lovers of classic literature and those who yearn for the Christmases of yesteryear, "Old Christmas" is a heartwarming read that captures the spirit and conviviality of the season. It's a literary gem that rekindles the true essence of Christmas - a time of togetherness, reflection, and unabashed joy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Washington Irving, born on April 3, 1783, in New York City, and died on November 28, 1859, was an American short story writer, essayist, biographer, and historian, widely regarded as the first American man of letters. He achieved international fame for his fictional works, notably "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "Rip Van Winkle," both of which are among the earliest examples of American fiction with enduring popularity. Irving honed his craft in the early 19th century, a time when American literature was still in its infancy. His mastery of satire, folklore, and historical narrative brought a distinct voice to American writing. "The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent.," a collection of 34 essays and short stories, included "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "Rip Van Winkle," and is credited with introducing American folklore into European literary culture. Apart from his literary contributions, Irving served as the U.S. ambassador to Spain from 1842 to 1846. His biographies of George Washington and Christopher Columbus, along with his multi-volume "The Life of George Washington," remain significant historical works. Irving's legacy lies in his pioneering role in American literature, his inventive storytelling, and his ability to capture the imagination of readers across generations.
This is a collection of essays, verbal sketches, and stories by Washington Irving. Irving lived at the Alhambra Palace while writing some of the material for his book. In 1828, Washington Irving traveled from Madrid, where he had been staying, to Granada, Spain. At first sight, he described it as "a most picturesque and beautiful city, situated in one of the loveliest landscapes that I have ever seen." He immediately asked the then-governor of the historic Alhambra Palace as well as the archbishop of Granada for access to the palace, which was granted because of Irving's celebrity status. Aided by a 35-year old guide named Mateo Ximenes, Irving was inspired by his experience to write Tales of the Alhambra. Throughout his trip, he filled his notebooks and journals with descriptions and observations though he did not believe his writing would ever do it justice. He wrote, "How unworthy is my scribbling of the place." A commemorative plaque in Spanish at the Alhambra reads, "Washington Irving wrote his Tales of Alhambra in these rooms in 1829". The book was instrumental in reintroducing the Alhambra to Western audiences. (Summary by Wikipedia and David Wales)
Writing under the pseudonym, Geoffrey Crayon, Washington Irving chronicled his travels through Europe in the early 1820's. He wrote of people he met, places he saw and stories he was told. In fact, much of the work is recounting tales told to him by those with exotic adventures that were waiting to be shared. "Tales of a Traveler" is broken up into four separate parts or "Books," as Irving called them. The final book is almost a post-script to "Knickerbocker's History of New York" as he tells stories and describes Manhattan Island and nearby lands as they were almost two hundred years ago. This rough land, still mostly wilderness, had the fingerprints of the early Dutch colonists evident throughout. To Nancy, whose determination and faith brought her through our darkest hour.
Washington Irving is one of early America's most treasured writers. He is best known for his wit and satirical voice. Irving had the extraordinary ability to paint a picture in words on the canvas of the printed page. Irving spent time in England where he wrote some of his best work. This collection includes two of his most famous works: "Rip Van Winkle" and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." In these two classics, set in New York, Irving brings the legends and daily goings on of the early settlers to life in vivid color and detail. Additionally, two of Irving's essays about England, both rural and metropolitan, round out his Trans-Atlantic descriptions of life in a bygone era.
Washington Irving is, arguably, one of America's greatest writers. He spent many years in Europe and kept records of his observations, which formed the basis of such classics as "Old Christmas," "Bracebridge Hall" and "Tales of a Traveler." This volume is the latest entry in a series of collected essays written during these early years. The fragility of the heart forms the basis of many of these short stories. Irving handles the issues of love, heartbreak and death in a caring and compassionate way.
The Letters of Jonathan Oldstyle, Gent. is a compilation of eight humorous and observational letters written by American writer, Washington Irving, under the pseudonym, Jonathan Oldstyle. These eight letters and one additional were first published as a series of "Letters to the Editor" of the New York paper, The Morning Chronicle, between 1802 and 1803. In them Oldstyle skewered the local New York social scene on the topics of etiquette, marriage, fashion, and other particulars of human interaction. Most of Oldstyle's observations took place in the theatre, but really had less to do with that venue and more to do with an analysis of men and women acting out their own particular roles in life. At times this letter-writing Oldstyle had a bit of help from his good friend, the inimitable Andrew Quoz . Together they subverted the status quo of theatre criticism in New York, and placed social behavior in the limelight, figuratively speaking. These letters were Irving's first foray into published writing; he was 19 at the time. He would later pen Rip Van Winkle and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
Washington Irving's Old Christmas tells of an American's travels through England during the Christmas season. Through a chance meeting with an old friend he is able to experience Christmas in a stately manor house. Through his eyes as a houseguest he glimpses the uniquely British customs and celebrations of Christmas as it would have been experienced during the Middle Ages, rather than in the early 19th century.
Famed American humorist Washington Irving published a series of short stories telling of his adventures traveling from America to England. This volume contains some of his observations about that trip, including his impressions of the English countryside, the differences between the wealthy and the poor, rural customs, and other aspects of British culture. During a visit to the library located in the depths of Westminster Abbey, Irving muses on the issue of why some examples of English literature stand the test of time, while others are lost to history. The collection concludes with Irving's memories of his visit to Stratford-on-Avon, the home of William Shakespeare, and the nearby communities that influenced some of Shakespeare's work.
Everyone knows the story of the Headless Horseman but perhaps you, like me, did not remember what a marvelous story teller Washington Irving was. He observed human nature closely and like any good humorist, lets us laugh at our own silly and superstitious sides through the joy of having strangers be the ones to display them. If you, like me, have only vague and muddy memories of this story, you owe it to yourself to listen and laugh along with the rest of the world. My High School English teacher who could never interest me in 'literature', would be proud.
An imaginary historian. One immaculately imagined history.Told from the invented Dutch historian Diedrich Knickerbocker's perspective, Washington Irving's `A History of New York' weaves a rip-roaringly funny and dangerously dark account of the rise - and fall- of The Big Apple. Kick-starting with the creation of the world, we follow the origins of life and love as we know it, through to the new world discoveries and dangers of the Dutch Dynasty. Crafting a tale full of mystery and might, Irving's satirical `A History of New York' is ideal for American literature fans of Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Day-Lewis, Cameron Diaz and Jim Broadbent in `Gangs of New York'.Washington Irving (1783- 1859) was an American short-story writer, essayist, biographer, historian, and diplomat of the early 19th century. A prolific author, Irving wrote `The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent', `The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' and `Rip Van Winkle.' Whilst his celebrated historical biographies span Oliver Goldsmith, Muhammad and George Washington, his 15th-century histories of Span explore Alhambra, Christopher Columbus and the Moors. Having served as American ambassador to Spain in the 1840s, Irving remains a rich cultural insight into both American and Spanish history. His human touch and deep emotional insight are reflected throughout his thought-provoking novels.
Welcome to the Jazz Age in the Big Smoke. Or the Big Apple. Whatever you want to call it, just make sure your stockings are tight and your hat is held high!We'll start our journey exploring high society in Edith Wharton's `The Age of Innocence' before attending the most dazzling and daring party of them all in F. Scott Fitzgerald's `The Great Gatsby'. While Henry James' ´Washington Square´ will see interfering fathers attempt to thwart the path of love, we'll encounter two very different visions of how to change and champion New York's society in William Dean Howell's `A Hazard of New Fortunes'. Lastly, we'll return to the rotten roots of New York's foundations in Washington Irving's `A History of New York'. It will make you stop, think, and reimagine the concrete jungle as we know it today.`Cities in Literature: New York' is not only the perfect historical companion for fans of `The Big Short' starring Ryan Gosling, Christian Bale, and Brad Pitt but essential reading for fans of Leonardo DiCaprio in the smash-hit film `The Great Gatsby'.Henry James (1843-1916) was an American-British author, regarded as a key literary figure between realism and literary modernism. His works span `The Portrait of a Lady', `The Ambassadors', and `The Wings of Love'.Washington Irving (1783- 1859) was an American short-story writer, essayist, and diplomat. A prolific author, Irving wrote `The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent', `The Legend of Sleepy Hollow', and `Rip Van Winkle.'Edith Wharton (1862-1937) was an American novelist, short story writer, and the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Literature. Her work spans `The Age of Innocence', `The House of Mirth', and `Ethan Frome'.F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896-1940) was an American novelist and short story writer. He is celebrated for his novels depicting the flamboyance and excess of the Jazz Age, most notably with `The Great Gatsby'.William Dean Howells (1837-1920) was an American novelist and playwright nicknamed `The Dean of American Letters'. His works span 'Christmas Every Day', 'The Rise of Silas Lapham', and 'A Traveler from Altruria'.
The town of Sleepy Hollow is told to be haunted by a headless huntsman. Ichabod Crane, a lanky, superstitious schoolmaster in the little town competes for the hand of young Katrina Van Tassel. But the morning after the Van Tassel's harvest party, someone has disappeared... Among the countless adaptions of Irving's gothic Halloween classic, Disney's animated "The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad" stands out, as well as Tim Burton's 1999 "Sleepy Hollow" starring Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci.
Washington Irving (1783-1859) was an American author, essayist, biographer, historian, and diplomat. His major works include "Rip Van Winkle" (1819) and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" (1820) and biographies on the prophet Muhammad and George Washington.
The famous Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain, served as the major influence for this collection of essays and sketches by Washington Irving. Blending history, myth, and natural descriptions, Irving's book became an indispensable attribute of the city's newsstands and boutique shops. The truthful and picturesque account of the palace, the book is often deemed responsible for the revival of interest in this masonry of old. The pages are saturated with Irving's own personal account during his stay, turning this work into a magical adventure for readers and tourists alike.
Versatile as the subject matter of his literary oeuvre, the name of Washington Irving still echoes in the corridors of the American literary canon. Having earned special status as a man of letters in America and Europe alike, Irving's fame stems primarily from his short stories "Rip Van Winkle" and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow". An avid biographer and historian, his influence can be felt within a vast group of American and British authors such as Nathaniel Hawthorne, E. A. Poe, Charles Dickens, and Sir Walter Scott.
Tales of the Alhambra is een echte combinatie van stijlen, omdat het boek beschrijvingen, mythen en verhalen over historische gebeurtenissen combineert. Washington beschrijft onder andere de verwoesting van enkele torens van het Alhambra-paleis door de Fransen in 1812, evenals de schade waaraan het paleis werd blootgesteld tijdens een aardbeving in 1821.
Tales of the Alhambra wordt ook het 'Spaanse schetsboek' van Washington genoemd en bevat een verzameling essays, literaire schetsen en verhalen, waaronder "The Three Beautiful Princesses" en "The Rose of the Alhambra".
Tales of the Alhambra vormt bovendien de basis voor niets minder dan een zeer beroemde opera. Een van de grote Russische schrijvers, Alexander Poesjkin, baseerde zijn werk The Tale of The Golden Cockerel uit 1834 op twee hoofdstukken van de Tales of the Alhambra. Het werk van Pushkin vormde de basis voor Rimsky-Korsakovs veelgeprezen opera "The Golden Cockerel".
Tales of the Alhambra inspireerde ook een Spaanse film met dezelfde naam uit 1950, en een geanimeerde miniserie van de Spaanse animatiefabrikant Pedro Alonso Pablo.
De Alhambra is een echte combinatie van stijlen, omdat het boek beschrijvingen, mythen en verhalen over historische gebeurtenissen combineert. Washington beschrijft onder andere de verwoesting van enkele torens van het Alhambra-paleis door de Fransen in 1812, evenals de schade waaraan het paleis werd blootgesteld tijdens een aardbeving in 1821.
De Alhambra wordt ook het 'Spaanse schetsboek' van Washington genoemd en bevat een verzameling essays, literaire schetsen en verhalen, waaronder "The Three Beautiful Princesses" en "The Rose of the Alhambra".
De Alhambra vormt bovendien de basis voor niets minder dan een zeer beroemde opera. Een van de grote Russische schrijvers, Alexander Poesjkin, baseerde zijn werk The Tale of The Golden Cockerel uit 1834 op twee hoofdstukken van de Tales of the Alhambra. Het werk van Pushkin vormde de basis voor Rimsky-Korsakovs veelgeprezen opera "The Golden Cockerel".
De Alhambra inspireerde ook een Spaanse film met dezelfde naam uit 1950, en een geanimeerde miniserie van de Spaanse animatiefabrikant Pedro Alonso Pablo.
Touching upon the legends surrounding the infamous captain William Kid, Washington Irving's short story deals in feats of adventures, pirates, and buried treasure. The tempestuous life of William Kid and his return "laden with booty" gives vent to the rise of treasure-seekers, chasing wild rumours. Superstition, devilry, and magic intertwine in this short story that forms the backbone of American folklore tales about pirates and hidden, stolen goods. But do not hasten to grab the shovel - the aforesaid treasure is often guarded by the Devil himself.
