Everyone remembers the stories by Washington Irving, right? THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW and Rip Van Winkle are early examples of American literature that have become ingrained in American culture. But in this book, which was originally titled The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent., there are thirty-two other delightful but maybe not so familiar tales. I expected to do a skim read and write a quick review. No go.

I began this little volume a few days before Halloween. What a perfect time for the Headless Horseman and Icabod Crane! Much to my surprise, I got all caught up in the background story of Washington Irving. What a quirky character he was! He wrote in a unique and groundbreaking style.

The Introduction was enchanting. If readers enjoy the hows and whys of their favorite authors, they will enjoy this introduction by Elizabeth L. Bradley. She writes an illuminating and humorous account of the life and writings of Washington Irving. He had many pursuits: some failed and some prospered. But what he left behind in literature is so different from anything that had come before. His characters are flawed and take themselves pretty seriously which ironically is what Washington Irving did not do. He pokes fun at everything.

Back to the collection of stories. The fictitious narrator, Geoffrey Crayon, tells in his sketchbook of his travels to England to discover from whence he came. There are hilarious and zany stories told in travelogue form of Windsor Castle, Stratford-on-Avon, the British Museum, and many others. There are several entries dealing with every Christmas tradition and custom that Irving could resurrect and comment on. The reader will even find a hint of a character that is similar to that of Dicken's Scrooge who predates him by several years.

Irving is one of those authors who stand the test of time. Readers continue to be delighted by his tongue- in- cheek humor and very human characters. Which reminds me, my son, a high school student, is reading "Rip Van Winkle" next week in his English class...