The Legend of Sleepy Hollow: A Graphic Novel

By Washington Irving, Tod Smith, Dan Gutman and Danielle S. Hammelef

A headless horseman haunts Sleepy Hollow!  At least that’s the legend in the tiny village of Tarrytown.  But scary stories won’t stop the town’s new schoolmaster, Ichabod Crane, from crossing the hollow, especially when the beautiful Katrina lives on the other side.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Capstone Young Readers
• Release date: May 15, 2021
• ISBN: 9781666309317

Washington Irving

Washington Irving Was born in New York City in 1783. He lived in the United States, England, and Spain (where he served as an American diplomatic attache). A prolific author, Irving wrote The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent., Diedrich Knickerbocker's History of New York, The Alhambra, and biographies of George Washington and Christopher Columbus, among other works. He is best remembered, however, for his two most famous stories, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "Rip Van Winkle."

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Reviews for The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

[janemarieprice · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It had been many years since I had read this wonderful story. I had forgotten how absolutely hilarious it is. Example: “he was a huge feeder, and, though lank, had the dilating powers of an anaconda.” Do not read on an empty stomach as there are many tantalizing descriptions of various food stuffs.

[sprainedbrain · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I hadn't read this story since high school, and got the Audible version just because it was narrated by Tom Mison. Irving's descriptions of the fall scenery, the food at the banquet, and most of all poor Ichabod are wonderfully and funny. I adore the voice of the 'historian' telling the story. For the most part, this isn't a scary story, but that night ride still gave me chills. Mison's narration is excellent!

[la2bkk · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

It's difficult for me to categorize this work, although in retrospect its popularity surprises me. As a children's book on the supernatural, on some level it may strike a chord although the book's humor will be lost on the younger reader. As an adult book, its simplicity and lack of real suspense or horror left me unimpressed. All in all, a mildly interesting and nostalgic period piece.

[readafew · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Listened to this book on the way home and I think it's the first time I've heard/read the whole story of Ichabod Crane. Everyone know the basics of the story and the headless horseman. But there was a lot that I had forgotten from the different films and of course each one interprets the ending in their own way. I liked this ending and I am happy to have finally had a chance to hear the original version. It makes it easier to appreciate the other interpretations that way.

[sturlington_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Worth reading for historical value as "America's first ghost story." Find an illustrated version to read to the kids around Halloween time.

[fmrox · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Classic story of the legend of sleepy hollow as written by Irving. The story is not as exciting as all of the movies. However, it was an enjoyable listed on a weekend road trip during the month of October.

[hemlokgang · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was the first time reading this tale of mystery and humor. I love Washibgton Irving's characters, but this story was just so-so.

[delphimo_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Many times, I have viewed the animated Disney version of this classic short story. The setting inspires mystery and foreboding. Irving presents a well-written and very descriptive story concerning the Dutch settlers to New York. The story hinges a little on jealousy and greed. Two men battle for the lovely and rich young lady, Katrina Van Tassel. Which will win the prize? The description of the early settlers and their beliefs and their life displays a people still dominated by superstition. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing one of the first truly American writers emerge and develop his craft, but also leaving a legacy of early America.

[rizeandshine · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Irving is a master at setting a scene, with description, details and imagery. I loved this quote, "The revenue arising from his school was small, and would have been scarcely sufficient to furnish him with daily bread, for he was a huge feeder, and, though lank, had the dilating powers of an anaconda;..." There is this type of subtle wit throughout the story. Very enjoyable.

[champak256 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Very grabbing plot

[arkrayder · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Another nice re-read. Always loved The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow. Would love more stories like this.

[slarsoncollins · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This classic is beautifully written with elegant descriptions. I grabbed it because it was free, but would have gladly paid for this remarkable piece of literature.

[gbill_7 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Old books are like old people. A little fragile, a little faded, and perhaps about to fall apart, and yet having stories within which can still captivate, stories which have been poured out to others before you’ve come along to hold the very same pages, and which may pour out to others when you’re gone. Perhaps it’s only when one feels one’s own mortality that one feels this way, but is there any better symbol of the best of humanity passing down its history, knowledge, and culture from generation to generation, than a book? And of all books, any better representative of this than one which is old, having been in the library of unknown others before coming into one’s own?I found a connection not only to Northeastern America in the 18th century while reading ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’, but also to the fellow book lover who clipped the poem “Life or Death” by feminist/anarchist writer Voltairne de Cleyre out of the newspaper and included it in these pages for me to find decades later. With a front and back cover in this 1885 edition that appears to be alligator leather beginning to crack in places, and with the silk strings that bind the book together having been mostly snapped with age, it needed to be handled very carefully. Inside, however, I found Irving’s language beautiful, his characters iconic, and his story memorable. It’s really no wonder it’s been adapted in so many forms since 1820, and is a favorite at Halloween time. It’s the perfect short story, absolutely brilliant. The illustrations provided nice touches, particularly of the lovely Katrina van Tassel. ‘The Spectre Bridegroom’ was also included here and a teeny little less successful, but quite enjoyable nonetheless, featuring an ancient castle on the Rhine and love at first sight. Ah youth. Who can’t empathize? The mores might have been different (Katrina’s “provokingly short petticoat” displaying “the prettiest foot and ankle in the country round”), and life may have been simpler, but the feelings of love, jealousy, and fear of noises in the dark are the same. Am I reviewing the book or this edition? Or the beauty of books and humanity in general, having been swept up in some form of mystic reverie? Perhaps all of the above. Oh, and connection discovered to the last book I read, which was “Good Omens” by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett: Ichabod Crane’s love and mastery of Cotton Mather’s history of New England witchcraft.

[amcheri-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I never had the occasion to read this story but picked it up on Audible a couple months ago. I liked it and am happy that I can now say that I've read (listened) to it.

[stahl2ricco · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Rip Van Winkle are classics, and pretty awesome! The rest of this collection is fairly uneven, and not so awesome. Still, it's hard to complain too much about a book that contains two "immortal classics"!

[darcia_10 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is one of those stories that needs to be savored. The words have a beautiful cadence that make for great material to be read aloud. The story itself is fun, with vivid characters and a bit of mystery. But I go back to it every now and then just to experience the beauty of the language.

[theboylatham_1 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

4/10.

A short story about a schoolteacher and his encounter with a headless ghost rider. Pretty dull.

[caseybp · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

My favorite ghost story of all time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[shahnareads · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is a pretty heavy book to read for a child. I don't know how I got through it. I was so little.

[vesper1931 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

In Sleepy Hollow schoolmaster Ichabod Crane and Brom Van Brunt compete for the affections of rich Katrina Van Tassel, but the spirit of the Galloping Hessian must have its say.
Originally published in 1820.
Not really that interesting a read

[beammey · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is probably the best edition of Sleepy Hollow that I've read yet. The illustrations bring so much to the story and make it so much better. The story is one of my favorites and this is no exception. I would recommend this book. 5 out of 5 stars.

[dzejncrvena · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I am sorry, but I have to say this book did not spook me in any way. I find it too dense. Good thing I don't know/watch its animated adaptation because I would be tempted to compare the plot and overall vibes of the story. Well, this is for people who like to read classic horror stories.

[vibrantminds · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The book is the classic tale of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman. Set in Sleepy Hollow, Ichabod is the schoolmaster who is quite smitten with Katrina Van Tassel but so is Brom Bones who is his rival in every sense of the word. Superstitions plague the town including the one of the Headless Horseman who haunts the church yard and is seen nightly dashing from there to the battlefield in search of his head. A party ensues at the Van Tassel estate. Ichabod and Brom are both in attendance to woo Katrina. After the party Ichabod stays on but leaves looking rather downtrodden only to be pursued by the Headless Horseman and never to be heard from again. Brom in turn marries Kartrina and Ichabod is said to be seen in New York and whenever the story of Ichabod is told Brom Bones always laughs. The Disney cartoon movie version is a classic and pretty much sums up the entire story.

[racharolla · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Beautifully written, vivid descriptions. A classic piece of literature.

[pennylane78 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I've heard several tellings and re-tellings of this famous story, but reading the original was quite a treat. It's one of those books that I SWEAR I read at some point, but I'm never really sure because I've heard the story so many times, it's just ingrained in my brain. This is a great story! If you haven't read it, it's super short, you should definitely give it a try!

[bookwyrmm_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I was excited when my book club picked this because I am directing a play version right now. I have to say, I was rather disappointed. As there is no dialogue and Irving goes into such detail about everything, which is too much for a novella, the story drags and seems like nothing but exposition. The climax was lost in excess description.

[linenandprint · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Hmm... Not sure why this was such a hit. Other than giving me a longing for Fall back east, I don't get it.

[richestgirls-3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It has been a long time since I have read this story, and I was delighted, once again, to read it.

[sushicat-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A nice story well told. The wording had me smiling throughout - especially trying to match the description of Ichabod Crane with Johnny Depp or the scene of various animals in pasture immediately followed by Ichabod's vision of the same animals as part of a sumptuous meal. Beyond the entertaining little tale weaving ghost stories with a rivalry about a young woman's heart, it gives a wonderful description of a rural small town community and it's protagonists. Too bad it is so short.

[caanderson-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It’s a classic short read so worth the time to read again.