The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving

Classic Ghost Stories

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving is the classic Halloween story. It appears to be a ghost story, but is it?

It was published in 1819 and has some classic features of later horror stories and contemporary Gothic tropes.

In summary, a hapless, awkward, greedy, and self-opinionated schoolmaster fancies he has a chance with the coquettish 18-year-old daughter of a local landowner. He wants to marry her as much for the monetary rewards and food as for her own charms.

But this Ichabod Crane had to contend with a headless horseman in this earliest of spooky tales.

It's a book in itself, albeit a short one, and the tale is very well written by author Washington Irving, who injects wry humor and who clearly was a great observer of human character and failings.

It was made into a scary movie by Tim Burton

New Patreon Request

Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!
Start for FREE

Support the show

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices