This story by Washington Irving has become a classic American folktale. Set in the Catskill Mountains in Colonial Dutch New York state, the fantasy recounts the adventure of one lazy but likeable good-old-boy named Rip Van Winkle.
To escape his shrewish wife, he and his faithful dog spend a day in the Catskills, where he witness a curious procession of strangely-dressed little men (ghosts of Henrik Hudson's crew, waiting in vain for the return of the Half Moon). Sociable Rip helps them carry, and then empty, one of their kegs of mysterious brew.
When he awakens 20 years later, major changes have occurred: in his appearance, the village and the attitude of the people. How can a loyal King's man fit into a new American nation? What happened to his family? Will Rip be welcomed back or driven away as a traitor--or even worse--a lunatic?
Irving's style is truly literary, with prologned description and minimal dialogue. His vocabulary will test modern readers, but his rich narrative provides wonderful examples of the New York Dutch lifestyle. His floral prose presents excellent characterizations and development of plot, but his conversation is sparse. So whenever you hear thunder in the mountains, just imagine that it is the lost Dutchmen playing at Ninepins up in the clouds with our friend, Rip.