The Complete Short Stories in One Volume (Illustrated Edition) (eBook)

Nathaniel Hawthorne's 'The Complete Short Stories in One Volume' constitutes an intricate tapestry of 19th-century American literature, woven from threads of psychological insight and moral depth. Each story in this compendium presents a tableau of the human condition, set against the backdrop of New England's puritanical legacy. The prose, emblematic of the Romantic and Dark Romantic literary movements, gleams with allegorical complexity and a haunting examination of sin and redemption. This illustrated edition assembles Hawthorne's profound explorations into a single tome, encompassing his evolution from 'Twice-Told Tales' to the posthumously published 'The Dolliver Romance and Other Pieces, Tales and Sketches', and features supplementary biographical context that enriches the reading experience.

Nathaniel Hawthorne, a literary figure of considerable acclaim, wrestled with the moral dichotomies of his era, casting a critical eye upon the societal norms of his times. His personal ancestry—tainted by the judiciary role of his great-great-grandfather in the Salem witch trials—profoundly shaped his thematic preoccupations, infusing his work with an acute awareness of the ancestral sin and the human propensity towards darkness. This collection, through its comprehensive inclusion of Hawthorne's shorter works, invites readers to discern the development of Hawthorne's stylistic and thematic concerns throughout his distinguished career.

A fundamental compendium for connoisseurs of classic American literature, 'The Complete Short Stories in One Volume' is a voluminous testament to Hawthorne's enduring legacy. Illustrations that accompany the text breathe visual life into the tales, enhancing their gothic atmosphere and rendering it accessible to a contemporary audience. Scholars and casual readers alike will find in Hawthorne's collection an invaluable resource, revealing the narrative prowess and profound societal insights of a literary master. Whether for academic pursuit or personal enlightenment, this volume stands as a cornerstone of American storytelling tradition.