What a delightful surprise! This is the third time I've read this, and unlike the other times I really enjoyed it. I guess this is proof that tastes can change. The first time was in elementary school, and the language was just too thick for me. The second time was in my late twenties, and I was disappointed with how lame the story was. But I loved it this last time. I used to wonder why Irving was lauded with such acclaim, and felt that he was highly overrated, but now I understand. His prose is rich. It's sometimes excessively descriptive, but that's something I like when it's done well, and it's certainly done well in this. I would say that I didn't put it down, but that's not true. I had to put it down to look up several old words I enjoyed learning. 
 My problem the other times I read it was with my expectations. I was expecting a nice, spooky ghost story, and that's not really what it is, though that's certainly an element. I read that this is so heavily praised due to its descriptions of the area during post revolution America, and I can see that. In short, it was a pleasure to read now that I looked at it through a different lens. 
 I was surprised to find out that the Disney cartoon sticks pretty close to the source material since that's not something Disney typically does. That movie is one of my favorites, and I watch it two or three times every October. Plus it's narrated by Bing Crosby, and he's one of my favorite singers. It was also nice to hear his voice narrating the story as I read it today. 
 Ah, Ichy, you sly dog, you. 
 If you're looking for a great tale, eh... The movie is better. It amps up the spooky factor, and leaves the ending mysterious. (The book stops just short of spelling it all out for you, but there's little doubt left after the implications, though I won't give it away here). 
 I also suggest the Tim Burton movie, though it takes quite a departure from the source material. Also, I'm a little biased in favor of Burton films. Constable Crane! 
 None other. 
 And don't even get me started on the new show. It doesn't get my recommendation at all, though I've given it only three or four episodes all told. 
 Anyway, I'm now actually looking forward to reading some of Irving's other works in my Barnes and Noble compilation, though I probably won't check it out until next year. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Other Writings. Well, maybe a reread of "Rip Van Winkle" which is only 19 pages, and fits with Halloween reading.