I truly relished this collection! Hawthorne's tales often possess a more supernatural or gothic essence, and I am enamored with the uncertainty present in some of his stories, as well as the concepts he explores in many of them. Here are my evaluations for each story:

The Gray Champion – 5 stars

The Minister’s Black Veil – 5 stars

The May-Pole of Merry Mount – 3 stars

The Gentle Boy – 5 stars

Wakefield – 4 stars

The Great Carbuncle – 4 stars

The Prophetic Pictures – 3 stars

Dr. Heidegger’s Experiment – 5 stars

Lady Eleanor’s Mantle – 3 stars

Old Esther Dudley – 5 stars

The Ambitious Guest – 3 stars

The White Old Maid – 4 stars

Peter Goldthwaite’s Treasure – 3 stars

Endicott and the Red Cross – 3 stars

The Birthmark – 5 stars

Rappaccini’s Daughter – 5 stars

The Celestial Railroad – 5 stars

Feathertop: A Moralized Legend – 4 stars

Egotism; or The Bosom Serpent – 4 stars

The Christmas Banquet – 3 stars

Drowne’s Wooden Image – 3 stars

Earth’s Holocaust – 5 stars

The Artist of the Beautiful – 4 stars

The Great Stone Face – 4 stars

Ethan Brand – 4 stars

The Wives of the Dead – 5 stars

The Antique Ring – 4 stars

Alice Doane’s Appeal – 3 stars

Content:

(Please bear in mind that I read these stories over nearly 2 years, so much of the content I am not certain about. This is the best I can remember.)

• Language – perhaps a few difficult words

• Drugs and Alcohol – some references to drinking or someone being intoxicated

• Sexual Content – none that I can recall

• Violence – some people perish in a landslide, a man hurls himself into a fire, two women are discovered dead, etc.

• Themes – witchcraft, the supernatural, legends and myths

Hawthorne's works are a captivating blend of mystery and the unknown. The supernatural elements add an air of excitement and intrigue, while the exploration of various themes makes the stories thought-provoking. Each story has its own unique charm, and the ratings reflect my personal enjoyment and perception of their quality. Despite the passage of time, these stories still manage to leave a lasting impression on me.

Shorter than S Letter! ;]

This catchy phrase immediately grabs our attention. It implies that there is something even more concise or brief than the letter "S". But what could that be?

Perhaps it refers to a word, a message, or an idea that can be conveyed in an extremely short and impactful way. In a world where information is constantly bombarding us, being able to communicate effectively with brevity is a valuable skill.

It could also suggest a sense of simplicity and elegance. Sometimes, the shortest and simplest expressions can have the greatest power to move and inspire. Whether it's a short poem, a pithy quote, or a concise slogan, these "shorter than S letter" creations have the ability to stick in our minds and make a lasting impression.

So, the next time you come across something that is "shorter than S letter", take a moment to appreciate its brevity and the potential it holds. It might just be a small gem of wisdom or a powerful message that can change the way you think.

Specter and Science:

The tales within this collection boast some of the finest works penned by Hawthorne. It is truly a challenge to rank one above another. However, Rappaccini's Daughter stands near the very top. It is a captivating tale that delves into the conflict between the natural and the supernatural, with undertones of professional jealousy, first love, and the yearning for perfection. Perfection is desired, yet there is an unwillingness to pay the price.

There are two scientists in the story, Baglioni and Rappaccini himself. The latter has seemingly created a new Eden with his garden, which is lovingly overseen by his daughter, Beatrice. She is even more lovely than the flowers that adorn her. Enter the young student, Giovanni, who has come to Padua to study but is easily distracted by the view from his window. First, by the beautiful purple blossoms of a shrub in the center of the garden, which illuminate it with a light that rivals the sun. And second, by the entrance of Beatrice, who makes such a profound impression on the young student that it is as if "here were another flower... more beautiful than the richest of them."

The story then evolves into a question of whether the poison in the flowers (yes, they are poisonous plants) has also overtaken Beatrice, making her dangerous to other plants, animals, and even Giovanni. The question of whether she is a supernatural being or a mere mortal is resolved by the end of the story, but Giovanni's life is forever altered - and how exactly, we can only speculate.

This story merely hints at the myriad of emotions and strange occurrences that unfold in these tales of men and women in settings as diverse as Salem, Massachusetts, and Padua, Italy.

Furthermore, this collection of short stories by Nathaniel Hawthorne is well worth reading for several reasons. Firstly, the collection includes many stories that are not easily found outside of a complete edition of Hawthorne's works, such as the one from the Library of America. Secondly, there is an excellent introduction by Newton Arvin, who places the stories within the context of Hawthorne's life and art. Arvin notes, "If Hawthorne had lived a generation later, in Europe, he would have counted as a symbolist, though as it was he stopped short, at some point not easy to specify, of being a symboliste in the strictest sense." (In this regard, he may be compared with Poe, who inspired the symbolists in France.) Thirdly, the book is one of Vintage Books' small and beautifully styled paperbacks. If you already own other collections of Hawthorne's tales, as I do, you may still want to consider adding this one to your library.

The Gray Champion - 3 stars

The Minister's Black Veil - 4 stars

The May-Pole of Merry Mount - 3.5 stars

Wakefield - 4 stars

The Great Carbuncle - 3 stars

The Prophetic Pictures - 3.5 stars

Lady Eleanore's Mantle - 3 stars

Old Esther Dudley - 3.5 stars

The Ambitious Guest - 3.5 stars

The White Old Maid - 4 stars

Peter Goldthwaite's Treasure - 4 stars

Endicott and the Red Cross - 4 stars

The Birthmark - 3 stars

Young Goodman Brown - 3.5 stars

Rappaccini's Daughter - 3.5 stars

The Celestial Railroad - 3 stars

Feathertop: A Moralized Legend - 3.5 stars

Egotism, or, The Bosom Serpent - 3 stars

The Artist of the Beautiful - 4 stars

The Great Stone Face - 3.5 stars

Ethan Brand - 4 stars

The Wives of the Dead - 3 stars

The Antique Ring - 3 stars

Alice Doane's Appeal - 3.5 stars

This list presents a collection of literary works, each assigned a star rating. The ratings seem to reflect the quality or popularity of the stories. For example, "The Minister's Black Veil" and "Wakefield" both receive 4 stars, indicating that they are likely highly regarded. On the other hand, some works like "The Gray Champion" and "The Great Carbuncle" get 3 stars, suggesting they may be a bit less outstanding. The ratings can serve as a guide for readers who are interested in exploring these stories and want to know which ones are considered more worthy of their time. However, it's important to note that everyone's literary tastes are different, and a work that may not be highly rated by some could still be a favorite of others.

The works of Nathaniel Hawthorne are a rich tapestry of themes and ideas.

"The Gray Champion" explores political aspects, while "The Minister's Black Veil" delves into righteousness. "The May-Pole of Merry Mount" shows NH's contempt for Endicott, and "The Gentle Boy" his disdain for all Puritans.

"Wakefield" presents a curious situation of a man spending 20 years in the next street, leaving his wife to assume widowhood. NH questions how he could be so foolish and if others could do the same.

"The Great Carbuncle" is a romantic legend, and "The Prophetic Pictures" may have inspired "The Picture of Dorian Gray." "Dr. Heidegger's Experiment" fails to fully deliver the "be careful what you wish for" message.

"Lady Eleanore's Mantle" seems to offer a moral lesson, and "Old Esther Dudley" shows NH's admiration for a staunch Loyalist while looking to the future. "The Ambitious Guest" implies a "seize the day" message.

"The White Old Maid" is a horror story, and "Peter Goldthwaite's Treasure" uses irony. "Endicott and the Red Cross" is historical, and "The Birthmark" is difficult to read due to its bad "science."

"Young Goodman Brown" leaves us wondering if all of us are complicit with Satan. "Rappaccini's Daughter" could be adapted for modern fantasy readers. "The Celestial Railroad" updates "Pilgrim's Progress" and includes "The Giant Transcendentalist."

"Feathertop" is a golem who is more than a better man, and "Egotism; or, The Bosom Serpent" is rather unconvincing. "The Christmas Banquet" has a message about the importance of feeling.

"Drowne's Wooden Image" foretells the concept of The Uncanny Valley. "Earth's Holocaust" is a classic, and "The Artist of the Beautiful" is a fable about obsession. "The Great Stone Face" is a sentimental favorite, and "Ethan Brand" is a too obvious moral tale.

"The Wives of the Dead" and "The Antique Ring" are less clear, and "Alice Doane's Appeal" remains somewhat of a mystery even after reading reviews. Overall, Hawthorne's works offer a diverse range of stories and ideas, with both strengths and weaknesses.

I really didn't like this book.

I only read it because it was required for class.

The story seemed dull and uninteresting to me.

The characters lacked depth and failed to engage my emotions.

The writing style was also not to my taste.

It was too simplistic and didn't have the complexity and elegance that I look for in a good book.

I found myself constantly losing focus while reading and having to force myself to continue.

Overall, this book was a disappointment for me.

I would not recommend it to others who are looking for an exciting and engaging read.

However, I understand that everyone has different tastes in books, and some people may enjoy this one.

But for me, it just didn't hit the mark.

Genius is truly a remarkable thing. It is like a wellspring of ideas that never runs dry.

A genius is someone who has an extraordinary ability to think outside the box and come up with solutions that others would never even consider. Their minds are constantly filled with a marvelous imagination at work, creating new and wonderful things.

Geniuses have made countless contributions to the world, from scientific breakthroughs to works of art that have inspired generations. They have the power to change the way we think and see the world around us.

Whether it is through music, literature, or science, geniuses have the ability to touch our hearts and minds and leave a lasting impact. We should all strive to cultivate our own creativity and imagination, and perhaps one day, we too can make a contribution to the world as a genius.

A lovely collection that I highly recommend to anyone who has a passion for short stories. This collection is truly a gem, filled with a diverse range of captivating tales. Each story within it has its own unique charm, drawing the reader in from the very first sentence and keeping them engaged until the very end. The authors have masterfully crafted these stories, creating vivid characters and richly detailed settings that come to life on the page. Whether you're looking for a quick escape from reality or a thought-provoking read, this collection has something for everyone. So, if you're a lover of short stories, don't miss out on this wonderful collection.

I was truly shocked by the depth of my love for many of the short stories written by Nathaniel Hawthorne and included in this book.

The stories seemed to have a magical charm that drew me in and held my attention from the very beginning.

Among them, "Wakefield" and "The Great Stone Face" had a particularly profound impact on me.

"Wakefield" presented a unique and thought-provoking concept that made me question the nature of identity and routine.

The way Hawthorne described Wakefield's actions and his gradual detachment from society was both fascinating and disturbing.

"The Great Stone Face," on the other hand, was a beautiful and inspiring tale that explored themes of hope, destiny, and the power of belief.

The image of the Great Stone Face and its significance in the lives of the characters stayed with me long after I finished reading the story.

Overall, I found this collection of Hawthorne's short stories to be a remarkable and unforgettable experience.

It has made me appreciate his talent as a writer even more and has left me eager to explore more of his works.

I will also do a video review here at my channel: http://www.youtube.com/magicofbooks

This compilation gathers all of Nathaniel Hawthorne's short stories. It's truly a comprehensive collection.

During my college days, I delved into several of Hawthorne's short stories and thoroughly enjoyed each one. For many years, I've been on the lookout for a collection like this. And sure enough, I came across this edition. According to Goodreads, it was initially assembled in 1946 and then republished in 2011. There's an introduction by Newton Arvin. Sadly, I found it extremely dull, more like a textbook. I believe it's the original introduction from 1946. This collection really requires a new, updated introduction for a modern audience. Arvin's introduction, although well-informed, was just so lackluster and formulaic. It came across as very academic. I would have loved to see some passion and modern perspectives on Hawthorne's tales. As you read his works, they often read as parables and allegories, with rich meanings hidden beneath the text. A story might seem straightforward, but there's always more than meets the eye. I think an introduction by a modern reader could offer some fascinating insights.

Overall, I did like this collection. However, I'm a bit disappointed in myself as I had hoped to enjoy all the stories. But many of them I found boring, and sometimes I didn't fully understand what was happening. As I mentioned, I read several of his stories in college, including "The Minister's Black Veil," "The Birthmark," "Young Goodman Brown," and "Rappaccini's Daughter." I remember falling in love with those stories, especially "The Birthmark," which is one of my favorite short stories. Among the new-to-me stories, I enjoyed "Dr. Heidegger's Experiment," "The Ambitious Guest," and "Feathertop." Unfortunately, the rest of the collection didn't particularly interest me. Hawthorne is a remarkable writer. He has a way with words that draws you in and knows how to tell a captivating story. But he does rely heavily on allegory and parable, which can sometimes be overwhelming, confusing, or even drawn out.

If you've read Hawthorne before and liked him, you might want to give this collection a try. Some stories may resonate with you more than others. I found myself longing to re-read "The Scarlet Letter," perhaps his greatest work. I wish I had loved more of this collection, but I'm grateful for the opportunity to read all his short stories and form a better understanding of him as a writer.

Call me old-fashioned, but I've truly got a soft spot for Hawthorne's tales.

Yes, indeed, they might seem rather obvious at first glance. However, there's an undeniable air of Halloween that pervades them, an allure that's incredibly hard for me to resist.

When compared to Poe, Hawthorne's works possess a certain subtlety that sets them apart.

Gloomy Hawthorne's ancestor was one of the judges responsible for hanging the Salem witches. This Puritan daemonism seems to emanate like a mysterious black light from these spooky Romantic morality tales.

Go ahead and give them a read. See if they don't manage to creep you out, just a little bit.

Think of Hawthorne's tales as a fascinating guidebook to the dark side of the American collective unconscious.

The shadow of "Young Goodman Brown," in particular, has had an incredibly long reach and continues to haunt our literary imagination.

Short stories are truly a lost art.

Here is one of my favourite short story collections. (The other being "Burning Chrome" by William Gibson and also the Oscar Wilde short stories.)

My picks are not the dreary puritan stuff. Instead, it's Hawthorne's "The Artist of the Beautiful" - a masterpiece!

"Rappaccini's Daughter" - wow! I wonder if this influenced the Grateful Dead's "Rosemary".

"The Birthmark" - still holds true in today's world of nip and tuck.

"The Minister's Black Veil" - also intriguing. The mystery of it all. The hidden sins.

Great stuff. It's a pleasure to read these short stories that offer such depth and complexity, transporting us to different worlds and making us think about the human condition. They are like precious gems that deserve to be rediscovered and cherished in a time when longer novels often seem to take center stage.