<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: Mystery and Romance in Rural Settings
Review: (This review refers to the PUFFIN Anthology.) This Puffin anthology presents five of Irving's short stories--tales of fantasy, legend and unrequited love--all set in rural New York and Europe, orignally published in 1820. His literary genius
was quickly evident; the elegant style contributed to his
accolade as "the father of American literature." Despite minimal dialogue the author captivates serious readers with his lush descriptions of scenery, bizarre twists of fate or imagination, often interspersed with touches of wry humor. Examining the follies of the human mind, as well as the foibles of the human heart, Irving has chosen the following subjects:
romance, ghosts, ambition, naivety, and pedantry. RIP VAN WINKLE and THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW are set in Dutch New York; THE SPECTRE BRIDEGROOM in the forests of Germany. THE PRIDE OF THE VILLAGE takes place in rural, Hardyesque England, while MOUNTJOY returns readers to Yankee New York state. This anthology provides delectable reading for an armchair by the hearth--especially in chilly, hobgoblin weather--by a premier raconteur
and US diplomat.
Rating: 
Summary: Proof of the talent of an important American author
Review: This wonderful collection proves once and for all that there is more to Irving than "Rip Van Winkle" and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow". The stories contained within this volume are wonderfully told and sparkle with imagination. The pieces from "The Alahambra" were the most impressive.
<< 1 >>
| 
