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Hawthorne, Nathaniel, 1804-1864 Books
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Frank Preston Stearns
The Life and Genius of Nathaniel Hawthorne
"The Life and Genius of Nathaniel Hawthorne" by Frank Preston Stearns is a biographical account written in the late 19th century that explores the life, experiences, and literary achievements of Nathaniel Hawthorne, one of America's revered authors. The book not only delves into Hawthorne's personal history but also seeks to provide critical insights into his literary genius, highlighting the influences that shaped his works and character. The opening of the book sets the stage by discussing Salem, Massachusetts, a significant location in Hawthorne's life and ancestry. It details the historical significance of Salem and introduces readers to the Hathorne family lineage, from early settlers to the impacts of the Salem witchcraft trials, which resonate in Hawthorne's later writings. The text also provides context regarding Hawthorne's ancestors' roles within the community, particularly with regards to the colonial period. This foundation allows for a deeper understanding of the environment in which Hawthorne was born and raised, ultimately framing the narrative of his subsequent life and literary pursuits.
James Thomas Fields
Yesterdays with Authors
"Yesterdays with Authors" by James Thomas Fields is a collection of personal anecdotes and reflections written during the late 19th century. In this engaging memoir, Fields provides insights into his experiences as a prominent publisher and bookseller, who held close relationships with some of the most significant literary figures of his time, including Nathaniel Hawthorne, Charles Dickens, and William Makepeace Thackeray. The book offers a window into the lives and creative processes of these authors, blending biographical narrative with a vivid portrayal of the literary world of the era. At the start of "Yesterdays with Authors," Fields sets the tone by reminiscing about his friendships with various literary figures, sharing the joy and privilege he feels in observing their lives and works. He discusses the portraits hanging in his space—silent companions that spark conversations about their personalities and significant contributions to literature. The opening portion includes specific references to his interactions with Alexander Pope, weaving in rich historical context while highlighting the profound impact these authors had on him. Fields' warm, conversational style invites readers into a realm where literary history and personal relationships intertwine, laying the groundwork for a detailed exploration of authors whose legacies shaped the literary canon.
George Edward Woodberry
Nathaniel Hawthorne
"Nathaniel Hawthorne" by George Edward Woodberry is a biographical account written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the life and literary contributions of Nathaniel Hawthorne, focusing on his ancestry, early life, and the formative years that shaped him into one of American literature's pivotal figures. The opening of the biography outlines the lineage of Hawthorne's family, tracing back to England and emphasizing key ancestors who played significant roles in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. It illustrates the somber environment in which Nathaniel was raised, including the impact of his father's early death and his mother's long-standing grief, which colored his childhood and influenced his future writing. As Hawthorne grows up, the narrative captures his early literary inclinations, his relationship with books, and the solitude he often embraced, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of his complex character and creative endeavors in the subsequent chapters.
Henry James
Hawthorne (English Men of Letters Series)
"Hawthorne" by Henry James is a book of literary criticism published in 1879. James examines his predecessor Nathaniel Hawthorne's novels, short stories, and life, exploring their shared interest in moral complexity, guilt, and human ambiguity. While praising Hawthorne's craftsmanship and psychological insight, James critiques his heavy symbolism and allegory. The book became controversial for James' famous commentary on what American life lacked for novelistic interest. Written without academic jargon, it remains accessible and insightful, offering James' surprisingly humorous observations on Hawthorne's occasional flights of fancy.
George Parsons Lathrop
A Study of Hawthorne
"A Study of Hawthorne" by George Parsons Lathrop is a literary essay written during the late 19th century. This work focuses on the life and artistry of Nathaniel Hawthorne, examining his background, influences, and the unique character of his literary genius. Rather than serving as a traditional biography, Lathrop presents a more subjective portrait inspired by his own insights and sympathies towards Hawthorne’s life, emphasizing both personal and historical contexts that shaped the author’s renowned works. The opening of the text introduces the author’s intent, stating that the study is not a biography but a conceptual portrait of Nathaniel Hawthorne. Lathrop expresses a desire to synthesize Hawthorne's life experiences, particularly his roots in Salem, and how these influenced his literary output. He reflects on the Puritan heritage that shaped the culture of Hawthorne's time, acknowledging how the town's history of religious fervor and superstition contributed to Hawthorne's literary themes. Lathrop further delves into the early influences on Hawthorne's character and writing style, suggesting that his melancholic disposition and imaginative depth were responses in part to his family's lineage and the weight of their past.
Charles Ives
Essays Before a Sonata
"Essays Before a Sonata" by Charles Ives is a collection of essays written in the early 20th century serving as program notes for Ives' second piano sonata, titled "Concord, Mass., 1845." The book explores the intersection of music and the philosophical ideas of American Transcendentalists such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Henry David Thoreau, analyzing how their thoughts influence the compositions of Ives and highlighting the deep connections between music, art, and the human experience. The opening of this work presents a detailed introduction to Charles Ives as an innovative composer whose revolutionary musical concepts were ahead of their time and reflects the spirit of Transcendentalism. Ives states that the essays are intended to elucidate the themes of his sonata and to invite readers to consider how music can articulate complex emotions and philosophies. He poses questions about the nature of music, its emotional impact, and how subjective experiences can be expressed through sound. This prelude effectively sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of both Ives' musical ideas and the philosophical narratives that underpin them, encouraging a reflective engagement from the reader as they delve into the subsequent essays.
George Parsons Lathrop
The Complete Works of Nathaniel Hawthorne, Appendix to Volume XII: Tales, Sketches, and other Papers by Nathaniel Hawthorne with a Biographical Sketch by George Parsons Lathrop Biographical Sketch of Nathaniel Hawthorne
"The Complete Works of Nathaniel Hawthorne, Appendix to Volume XII: Tales, Sketches, and Other Papers" is a collection of narratives and essays written in the mid-19th century. This volume is part of a comprehensive set that showcases Hawthorne's literary contributions, including unique tales and sketches that delve into themes of morality, human nature, and the complexities of society. The artistically illustrated edition also features a biographical sketch by George Parsons Lathrop, which adds depth to the understanding of Hawthorne's life and works. The opening portion of the collection presents a detailed biographical context for Nathaniel Hawthorne, tracing his ancestry and early life in Salem, Massachusetts. It provides insights into his family background, highlighting the influence of his parents and the Salem witch trials on his formative years. The narrative describes Hawthorne's childhood experiences, his early education, and his literary aspirations, painting a picture of a sensitive and introspective boy shaped by loss and solitude. This initial exploration not only establishes Hawthorne's character but also sets the tone for the rich and varied tales that follow in the collection.
Frank Preston Stearns
Sketches from Concord and Appledore Concord thirty years ago; Nathaniel Hawthorne; Louisa M. Alcott; Ralph Waldo Emerson; Matthew Arnold; David A. Wasson; Wendell Phillips; Appledore and its visitors; John Greenleaf Whittier
"Sketches from Concord and Appledore" by Frank Preston Stearns is a collection of reminiscences and reflections written during the late 19th century. In this work, Stearns invites readers to explore the lives and contributions of notable figures associated with Concord, Massachusetts, such as Nathaniel Hawthorne, Louisa May Alcott, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and others, providing insights into their personalities and the cultural landscape of the time. The opening of the book presents a vivid picture of Concord as it existed "thirty years ago,” describing its scenery, community life, and its historical significance as the site of a revolutionary confrontation. Stearns highlights the rural charm of the area, including its natural beauty and quaint town life, and begins to weave in references to influential literary figures, emphasizing the moments that define Concord's rich intellectual environment. The narrative establishes a tone of nostalgia as it sets the stage for deeper explorations of the influential individuals who shaped American literature and thought during a transformative period in history.
Henry A. (Henry Augustin) Beers
Four Americans: Roosevelt, Hawthorne, Emerson, Whitman
"Four Americans: Roosevelt, Hawthorne, Emerson, Whitman" by Henry A. Beers is a literary critique written in the early 20th century. This work serves as a collection of essays exploring the lives and legacies of four prominent American figures: Theodore Roosevelt, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Walt Whitman. The book delves into their contributions to American literature and culture, analyzing their distinctive styles, philosophies, and the societal contexts in which they operated. The opening portion of the book begins with an exploration of Theodore Roosevelt as a man of letters, highlighting his multifaceted personality and extensive literary contributions, which he balanced alongside a bustling political career. Beers reflects on Roosevelt's vigorous nature, his literary achievements, and his bold stance on various issues, while also critiquing his often aggressive and confrontational style. The author contrasts Roosevelt's forceful character with the quieter, more introspective approaches of the other three figures to be addressed in later chapters, setting the stage for a deeper analysis of their individual impacts on American culture and literature.
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