Washington Irving (April 3, 1783 – November 28, 1859) was an American author, essayist, biographer, historian and diplomat of the early 19th century. He is best known for his short stories "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "Rip Van Winkle", both of which appear in his book THE SKETCH BOOK OF GEOFFREY CRAYON, GENT. His historical works include biographies of George Washington, Oliver Goldsmith and Muhammad, and several histories of 15th-century Spain dealing with subjects such as Christopher Columbus, the Moors and the Alhambra. Irving served as the U.S. ambassador to Spain from 1842 to 1846.

Books by Washington Irving

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Other Stories

by Washington Irving - Fiction, Horror, Mystery, Paranormal

When Washington Irving first published this collection of essays, sketches and tales --- originally entitled The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. --- readers greeted it with enthusiasm, and Irving emerged as America's first successful professional author. "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "Rip Van Winkle," two of America's most recognizable and loved works of fiction, display Irving's ability to depict American landscapes and culture so vividly that readers feel themselves a part of them.