DescriptionThis Washington Irving classic tells the story of likeable but lazy Rip Van Winkle, who shared a strange brew with some mysterious strangers and fell into a deep sleep for 20 years. He discovers when he finally wakes that things are considerably different than he remembers, providing a cautionary tale about making the most of life. Original music by Jay Ungar and Molly Mason.
DescriptionWhen the king orders a young mother to spin a room full of straw into gold, she turns to a mysterious elvin man for help...but will the price of his aid be her first-born child? Original music by Tangerine Dream…
DescriptionThe larger-than-life lumberjack swaggers through the forests of North America with his faithful companion, Babe the Blue Ox, by his side. Hear about the pancake griddle that's over an acre wide and the truly tall tale of how the Great Lakes and Grand Canyon were created. Original music by Leo Kottke.
DescriptionThese 2 stories from the pen of one of America's earliest and most popular writers draw upon the myths and legends of local and European folklore to create memorable, richly American tales and characters. In the title story, Rip Van Winkle wanders into the Catskill Mountains before the Revolutionary War. When he helps a dwarf carry a heavy keg to a ninepins game, it seems natural to drink the strange, small men's brew - but he hasn't the head for it, and wakes up 20 years later! In "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, " the gawky schoolmaster, Ichabod Crane, and his rival Brom Bones, both court beautiful Katrina Van Tassel - until a Headless Horseman makes a ghostly ride.
DescriptionFollow the escapades of America's ultimate backwoods hero as he travels the frontier in his trademark coonskin cap, in search of adventure, and brags his way into history at the Battle of the Alamo. Original music by David Bromberg.
DescriptionWashington Irving was the first American writer to kindle worldwide interest through his intoxicating tales. With Rip Van Winkle, Ichabod Crane, and Diedrich Knickerbocker, Irving created three lasting folklore characters worthy of comparison to Huckleberry Finn and Captain Ahab. These stories have done much to promote pride in America's past and in American settings, and are narrated by a well-known radio personality who resides, not coincidentally, in the land once occupied by Ichabod, Rip, and the Headless Horseman: New York's Hudson Valley.
DescriptionThe moment Ivan stumbled upon a clearing in the dense Carpathian forest, his life was forever changed: atop a pedestal encircled by fallen leaves, the beautiful princess Katerina lay still as death. But beneath the foliage a malevolent presence stirred, sending the 10-year-old scrambling for the safety of Cousin Marek's farm. Now years later, Ivan is an American graduate student engaged to be married. Yet he cannot forget that day long ago, or convince himself that it was a frightened boy's fantasy. Compelled to return to his native land, Ivan finds the clearing just as he left it. But this time he does not run - this time he awakens the beauty with a kiss and steps into a world that vanished a thousand years ago.
