In this premiere episode of The Drowsy Library Project, we invite you to settle into a quiet corner of the Catskill Mountains for one of the most beloved short stories in American literature: Rip Van Winkle by Washington Irving.

First published in 1819 and drawn from the public domain through Project Gutenberg, this gentle tale follows Rip, a kind but idle villager who escapes his nagging wife by venturing deep into the mountains… only to wake up twenty years later in a changed world.

Narrated slowly and softly by your host, Cale, this full-length episode includes:

• The original introduction by fictional historian Diedrich Knickerbocker
• The complete story of Rip’s mysterious slumber
• A reflective postscript about the legend and the land
• Ambient pacing and voice designed to lull you to sleep

Whether you’re here for the folklore, the nostalgia, or just something peaceful to rest your thoughts on, this episode is meant to help you drift off with ease.

So fluff your pillow. Dim the lights. And let this dreamy American classic carry you toward rest.

Support & Thanks
This episode was made possible by Nashville-based realtor Clint Atkins, whose thoughtful support helped launch The Drowsy Library Project. If you’re buying or selling a home in the Nashville area, Clint is the one to trust. Learn more by visiting his website.