Chris' Fish Place

Disclaimer: ARC via Netgalley

                This book is a little strange.  It’s partly fiction, but the important aspects aren’t.  They are, in fact, a rather good look at the sources and inspiration for Irving’s famous story, “The Headless Horseman”.        

                Latham portrays Washington Irving a la Gilliam’s Brothers Grimm, as a ghost or supernatural badass hunter, who relies more on his intelligence than his physical ability.  It’s this part of the book that falls a little flat for the adult reader.  The section might be more entertaining for a teen or pre-teen.  The story itself used to frame the information that the book transmits is geared toward the younger audience, an adult might find the story amusing enough, but there is better fiction out there.

                Latham makes connections between Irving’s story and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight as well as other European traditions.  There is even background itself to the area of Sleepy Hollow and early New York State history.

                In short, I can see a teacher using this in a classroom to expand upon the legend of Sleepy Hollow.  It also would make a good Halloween present.  It also includes a further reading and viewing section.