The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Set in a mysterious village, this gothic tale features the iconic Headless Horseman, a ghostly figure believed to be a decapitated Hessian soldier. The story, part of a collection of essays and short stories by Washington Irving, explores themes of superstition and the supernatural, making it a perennial favorite, especially around Halloween. First published in 1820 while Irving resided in England, it stands as one of the earliest and most beloved examples of American fiction, alongside "Rip Van Winkle."