If your child or grandchild is studying American literature, this book might be very useful.

 

Some previous owner helped her child (or grandchild) by supplying the definitions of many of the words in the story so as to make it easier for a reader to understand. 

 

Washington Irving (1783-1859) was the very first American author to be acclaimed in Europe.  RIP VAN WINKLE is his famous tale about the lazy Dutch-colonial gentleman who sleeps for twenty years and - when he wakes up - finds he’s in the United States!  It has been told and retold for generations. 

 

This book contains Irving’s original story.  But some of the words may be unfamiliar today, so… someone has supplied the definitions of those words right on the appropriate pages.  It’s a brilliant thing to do, because the word can be understood and the story can go right on.  For instance, on pages 24 and 25 you’ll be let in on the meanings of vehemently, tranquilly, placid, approbation, termagant, august, and virago.

 

And the book itself is beautiful.  The illustrations are by N. C. Wyeth (1882-1945), one of the greatest artists of the “golden age of illustration.”  The afterward is written about him as well as about the author.

 

This edition was first published in 1921.  The reprint you’re looking at is copyright 1987, an HCDJ published by Books of Wonder (Morrow).  The DJ, in its job of protecting the book, suffered some rips which have been mended.  The book (minus the additional vocabulary lessons) is clean and in good condition.

 

Questions?  Please e-mail before bidding.  Buyer will pay for USPS Media Mail shipping.  I gladly combine shipping for multiple purchases.