The Sketch Book
The Sketch Book
Book Brief
Beta391
Short Story • Fiction
Hudson Valley, New York • Early 19th Century
1954
Adult
14-18 years
Super Short Summary
The Sketch Book by Washington Irving is a collection of 34 essays and short stories. Notable pieces include "Rip Van Winkle" and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." The book features various themes, including American and British culture, history, and folklore, providing readers with engaging narratives and rich character insights.
Reviews & Readership
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Review Roundup
Washington Irving's The Sketch Book is praised for its charming prose and pioneering of American literature. Featuring iconic tales like "Rip Van Winkle" and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," it blends humor, folklore, and vivid descriptions. Critics, however, note its uneven pacing and occasional sentimentality. Overall, it's lauded for its historical significance and imaginative storytelling.
Who Should Read The Sketch Book?
The reader who would enjoy The Sketch Book by Washington Irving appreciates early American literature, folklore, and poignant narratives blending humor and gothic elements. Fans of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, also by Irving, or those who admire Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter may find similar enjoyment in this collection.
1,483 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Sketch Book was first published in 1819-1820 and marked Irving as the first American writer to achieve international fame, showcasing his ability to blend European literary traditions with American themes.
The collection includes one of the first pieces of American fiction to gain popular success, "Rip Van Winkle," which is set in New York's Catskill Mountains and incorporates elements of local folklore.
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Washington Irving originally published The Sketch Book under the pseudonym Geoffrey Crayon, which he used to lend an air of mysteriousness and detachment from the stories he told.
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391
Short Story • Fiction
Hudson Valley, New York • Early 19th Century
1954
Adult
14-18 years
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