The Devil and Tom Walker

By: Washington Irving

Narrated by: Edward E. French

Sinister early American satire from Washington Irving (April 3, 1783 - November 28, 1859) author of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Rip Van Winkle. The classic short story “The Devil and Tom Walker” is the dark and eerie tale of a foolish man’s greed, hypocrisy and ambition. Puritan writing at its finest.

Tom is a debased man, miserly and cruel to his fellows, and even to his wife. The Devil shows him a grove of rotting trees, representing souls. They make the customary deal, with Walker becoming one of the richest men around and Walker begins to work at keeping his soul, despite a lifetime of usury and the dark deal to which he agreed.

If you're a fan of works like The Scarlet Letter, this is just right for you. A definitely religious message, but with enough horror and fantasy to draw in even an atheist listener.

©2020 Edward E. French (P)2020 Edward E. French

Excellent Story, Great Narrator

This story is an underrated classic from Washington Irving. Anyone who enjoys his the Legend of Sleepy Hollow will recognize a similar fable like quality in an American setting similar to that story which he did so well. The narrator was a perfect choice for this tale. His performance is excellent and fitting for an interaction with the devil but also great at the moments of dry humor, just a really great actor. I recommended this to my Dad as well and he loved it too!