Washington Irving's symbolic tale of Rip Van Winkle follows a man who slept for twenty years, awakening to find changes in his town and country. The story is set near the Hudson River and in the Catskill Mountains, where Rip Van Winkle embarks on a hunting trip with his dog. The book includes eloquently written stories, challenging the reader's experience with Olde English vocabulary and providing explanatory information before and after the read.

Characters:

Characters are vividly drawn, with Rip embodying a relatable everyman and a mix of supporting characters representing various societal ideals.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is rich and atmospheric, marked by a blend of poetic descriptions and historical references.

Plot/Storyline:

The tale follows the journey of a man who falls asleep for two decades and awakens to find his community and America transformed.

Setting:

The setting is critical, framing a narrative of change against the backdrop of the American landscape.

Pacing:

Pacing is measured, providing ample time for reflection and development within a compact narrative.

Whoever has made a voyage up the Hudson must remember the Kaatskill mountains. They are a dismembered branch of the great Appalachian family, and are seen away to the west of the river swelling up to ...

Notes:

The 2013 Calla Edition of Rip Van Winkle features illustrations by NC Wyeth.

This edition is praised for being cheap yet beautiful, making it a great choice for readers.

Rip Van Winkle is considered part of American mythology, with Washington Irving crafting many myths about early America.

The story highlights a major transformation in society, depicting the shift from King George III to General George Washington in two decades.

The book was initially published in 1819 and remains a classic, often taught to children.

Rip Van Winkle's tale is a short story that can be read in about two hours.

The story's setting is near the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains.

Some readers appreciate adaptations of the story for younger audiences, as the original text can be challenging.

The narrative uses older vocabulary, which may be difficult but enriching for modern readers.

The illustrations in some editions, like those by Rackham, are noted for their magical quality.

From The Publisher:

Rip's a good natured loser, trying to be happy despite a bad marriage and major poverty...until the day he helps a stranger in need, winds up at a weird picnic in the woods, parties too hardy, falls asleep-

Because when Rip wakes up, the Earth has-changed. Everyone and everything he knows has-vanished. Wife, family, dog, home, even his country-gone. Rip's terrified, trapped in a new world, pulled out of place, torn out of time...

But what seems to be the gods' cruelest joke-might be their greatest gift...

At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

Ratings (6)

Incredible (1)
Liked It (1)
It Was OK (2)
Did Not Like (2)

Reader Stats (6):

Read It (6)

What can you read after
Rip Van Winkle?

See the list (25 books)

About the Author:

Washington Irving (April 3rd, 1783-November 28th, 1859) is considered one of the greatest writers of his time.

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.

Activity

Recommendations

My Stuff

Account

More

Rip Van Winkle

Washington Irving