Selected Tales and Sketches


Book Description

The short fiction of a writer who helped to shape the course of American literature. With a determined commitment to the history of his native land, Nathaniel Hawthorne revealed, more incisively than any writer of his generation, the nature of a distinctly American consciousness. The pieces collected here deal with essentially American matters: the Puritan past, the Indians, the Revolution. But Hawthorne was highly - often wickedly - unorthodox in his account of life in early America, and his precisely constructed plots quickly engage the reader's imagination. Written in the 1820s, 30s, and 40s, these works are informed by themes that reappear in Hawthorne's longer works: The Scarlet Letter, The House of the Seven Gables and The Blithedale Romance. And, as Michael J. Colacurcio points out in his excellent introduction, they are themes that are now deeply embedded in the American literary tradition.




Twenty Days with Julian & Little Bunny by Papa


Book Description

On July 28, 1851, Nathaniel Hawthorne's wife Sophia and daughters Una and Rose left their house in Western Massachusetts to visit relatives near Boston. Hawthorne and his five-year-old son Julian stayed behind. How father and son got along over the next three weeks is the subject of this tender and funny extract from Hawthorne's notebooks. "At about six o'clock I looked over the edge of my bed and saw that Julian was awake, peeping sideways at me." Each day starts early and is mostly given over to swimming and skipping stones, berry-picking and subduing armies of thistles. There are lots of questions ("It really does seem as if he has baited me with more questions, references, and observations, than mortal father ought to be expected to endure"), a visit to a Shaker community, domestic crises concerning a pet rabbit, and some poignant moments of loneliness ("I went to bed at about nine and longed for Phoebe"). And one evening Mr. Herman Melville comes by to enjoy a late-night discussion of eternity over cigars. With an introduction by Paul Auster that paints a beautifully observed, intimate picture of the Hawthornes at home, this little-known, true-life story by a great American writer emerges from obscurity to shine a delightful light upon family lifeā€”then and now.




Nathaniel Hawthorne's Tales


Book Description

Included here are the prefaces Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote for the three collections of tales published during his lifetime, along with selections from his 'American Notebooks' and relevant letters.




Nathaniel Hawthorne


Book Description

Learn about the life of the famous American author.




Nathaniel Hawthorne


Book Description




Hawthorne's Short Stories


Book Description

Here are the best of Hawthorne's short stories. There are twenty-four of them -- not only the most familiar, but also many that are virtually unknown to the average reader. The selection was made by Professor Newton Arvin of Smith College, a recognized authority on Hawthorne and a distinguished literary critic as well. His fine introduction admirably interprets Hawthorne's mind and art.




Tanglewood Tales


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Complete Short Stories of Nathaniel Hawthorne (Illustrated Edition)


Book Description

Nathaniel Hawthorne's "Complete Short Stories" is a literary masterpiece that showcases his unique style of dark romanticism and exploration of themes such as sin, guilt, and the supernatural. Each story is expertly crafted with intricate symbolism and moral ambiguity, making it a thought-provoking read that delves into the complexities of the human psyche. The collection includes classics like "The Minister's Black Veil" and "Young Goodman Brown", providing a comprehensive look at Hawthorne's narrative prowess and thematic depth within the short story genre. This illustrated edition enhances the reader's experience by visually capturing the haunting atmosphere of Hawthorne's tales. Nathaniel Hawthorne, a prominent American author of the 19th century, drew inspiration from his Puritan heritage and fascination with the human condition to create his gripping narratives. His background in Transcendentalism and his own personal struggles with guilt and sin heavily influenced his writing, giving his stories a profound and introspective quality. Hawthorne's ability to interweave moral ambiguity with poetic prose sets him apart as a literary giant of his time. I highly recommend "Complete Short Stories" to readers who enjoy thought-provoking literature that explores the darker aspects of human nature. Hawthorne's masterful storytelling and captivating themes make this collection a must-read for anyone interested in delving into the complexities of the human experience.