Washington Irving, página 3 de 24

In The Sketch-Book Washington Irving explores the uneasy relationship of an American writer to English literary traditions. He sketches a series of encounters with the cultural shrines of the parent nation, and in two brilliant experiments with tales transplanted from Europe creates the first classic American short stories, `Rip Van Winkle' and `The Legend of the Sleepy Hollow'.

In "Bracebridge Hall, or The Humorists," Washington Irving artfully melds humor and nostalgia, presenting a rich tapestry of early 19th-century American life. Written in a light, conversational prose style, the book unfolds through a series of interconnected stories and vignettes that delve into the eccentricities of its characters, predominantly set in the idyllic fictional landscape of Bracebridge Hall. Irvings keen observation of social customs and relationships captures the essence of the American Romantic era, as he weaves themes of leisure, society, and the pastoral ideal with an underlying critique of urbanizations encroachment on rural life. The blend of wit and affectionate parody positions this work within the broader context of early American literature, emphasizing its satirical elements and charm. Washington Irving, often heralded as one of Americas first notable writers, was influenced by the changing landscape of early 19th-century America, characterized by rapid industrialization and shifting cultural values. Born in 1783, Irvings experiences in both the burgeoning cities of America and his travels abroad enriched his understanding of human nature, which is vividly reflected in his portrayals of the diverse characters that inhabit Bracebridge Hall. His desire to capture the humor and humanity of everyday life motivated him to craft this delightful collection, showcasing his talent for storytelling. For readers seeking a delightful exploration of character and context, "Bracebridge Hall" offers a charming glimpse into the past, replete with laughter and insight. Irvings relatable characters and lighthearted anecdotes invite readers to reflect on their own societal observations, making this book an essential read for anyone interested in the foundations of American literature. A testament to Irvings literary legacy, this work not only entertains but also provokes thought, ensuring its relevance across generations.

Versión del inglés, prólogo y notas por el ingeniero Luis Báez Díaz

ROUGH draughts of some of the following tales and essays were actually written during a residence in the Alhambra; others were subsequently added, founded on notes and observations made there. Care was taken to maintain local coloring and verisimilitude; so that the whole might present a faithful and living picture of that microcosm, that singular little world into which I had been fortuitously thrown; and about which the external world had a very imperfect idea. It was my endeavor scrupulously to depict its half Spanish, half Oriental character; its mixture of the heroic, the poetic, and the grotesque; to revive the traces of grace and beauty fast fading from its walls; to record the regal and chivalrous traditions concerning those who once trod its courts; and the whimsical and superstitious legends of the motley race now burrowing among its ruins.

"I have no wife nor children, good or bad, to provide for. A mere spectator of other mens fortunes and adventures, and how they play their parts; which, methinks, are diversely presented unto me, as

El pueblo de Sleepy Hollow estaba bajo un hechizo adormecedor; la gente que vivía ahí caminaba soñolienta y era propensa a tener visiones y sueños extraños. Por todo el pueblo existían lugares encantados y supersticiones. Entre todas estas fantasias, habia un espectro que sobresalia de todos los demas. Un soldado que por las noches cabalgaba velozmente, asustando a los lugareños con solo el galopar de su caballo. Iba de un lugar a otro buscando algo importante: su cabeza. Irving Washington, escritor estadounidense del siglo XIX, narra esta y otras historias marcadas por la satira social, utilizando para ello los ingeniosos recursos del terror.

Tras su llegada a España Washington Irving inicia un recorrido por tierras andaluzas. Durante su visita a Granada queda extasiado por la majestuosidad de la Alhambra en cuyas habitaciones tiene la fortuna de alojarse. Alli conoce a varios personajes que le acompañaran durante su estancia en tierras granadinas. De las conversaciones con estos y de las historias que escucha a su fiel criado y guia Mateo Jimenez transcribira leyendas y tradiciones transmitidas de padres a hijos durante generaciones. De esta forma con sus Cuentos de la Alhambra Washington Irving escribio una rica y detallada cronica de la España de la primera mitad del siglo XIX y sobre todo supo transmitir la magia y el misterio de toda una epoca. Porque algunas de las narraciones que componen el cuerpo central de la obra -la del astrologo arabe que contribuyo con su magia a derrotar a los ejercitos enemigos; la de las tres hermosas princesas encerradas en una torre para que no se enamoraran; la del peregrino del amor tambien encerrado en una torre por su celoso padre; la del legado del moro que nos habla de un fabuloso tesoro encontrado por un aguador; la de la Rosa de la Alhambra en que se nos muestra un laud maravilloso capaz de curar la melancolia del rey- bien podrian provenir de Las mil y una noches.

La historia toma lugar en 1784, en los alrededores del asentamiento holandés de Tarry Town (Nueva York), en un apartado valle llamado Sleepy Hollow. El lugar es conocido por sus fantasmas y el ambiente embrujado que impregna la imaginacion de sus habitantes y visitantes. El espectro mas infame del lugar es el Jinete sin Cabeza, de quien se dice que es el fantasma de un antiguo soldado que fue alcanzado en la cabeza por una bala de cañon durante "

Romanzo che narra la storia di Ichabod Crane, un curioso maestro di scuola che si innamora della giovane Katherine Van Tassel, lincontro notturno con il mitico cavaliere senza testa pero cambiera il corso degli eventi portando ad un inaspettato finale. Libro in lingua originale inglese con traduzione in italiano.

Ichabod Crane, un atildado maestro de escuela, es trasladado a Sleepy Hollow, o el Valle Dormido, lugar famoso por las leyendas de fantasmas, espectros y espíritus que habitan el mismo. Profundamente molesto por su estancia en el Valle, rodeado de campesinos analfabetos, supersticiosos y sin altura de miras, la existencia de Crane dará un vuelco cuando conozca a la rica heredera Katrina van Tassel. Esta, sin embargo, cuenta con un admirador inesperado, Brom van Brunt, un joven lugareño del cual Ichabod tratará de librarse por todos los medios.

In condensing into one compact volume Mr. Irvings elaborate Life of Washington, care has been taken to retain, not only all the important facts connected with Washingtons career, but also those circumstances and incidents which may be supposed to contribute to a full estimate of his character in all its aspects. Nor have any portion of the great events connected with the era in which he filled so grand and controlling a part been unduly neglected or subordinated. The work, in its present abbreviated form, still presents a continuous and complete record of American history during the period of Washingtons official life. Mr. Irvings language, as a rule, has been retained; but in cases where a variation from his sentences has been necessary, in order to secure the requisite brevity, the paragraphs are enclosed in brackets.