Hawthorne is truly perfect.

There are simply no more words that can adequately define him.

His works are a masterpiece of literary art, filled with profound themes, complex characters, and beautiful prose.

His ability to create a vivid and immersive world in his stories is truly remarkable.

Each of his novels and short stories is a unique exploration of the human condition, delving into the depths of our emotions, desires, and fears.

Hawthorne's writing style is both elegant and powerful, captivating readers from the very first sentence.

His works have stood the test of time and continue to be studied and admired by scholars and readers alike.

In conclusion, Hawthorne is a literary giant, and his perfection is evident in every aspect of his work.

He is a true inspiration to all who aspire to write great literature.

I'll tell it and I'll tell it twice!

This simple yet powerful statement emphasizes the importance and significance of what is about to be shared.

It creates a sense of anticipation and grabs the listener's or reader's attention.

By repeating the phrase, it implies that the message is worth hearing not just once, but twice.

It could be a crucial piece of information, a story that needs to be emphasized, or an idea that wants to be firmly implanted in the minds of others.

Maybe it's a warning, a piece of advice, or a wonderful experience that the speaker or writer wants to convey with extra emphasis.

Whatever it is, the repetition makes it clear that this is something that should not be overlooked or forgotten.

It urges the audience to listen carefully and pay close attention, as the message being told is of great importance.

So, when you hear or read "I'll tell it and I'll tell it twice!", get ready to receive something that will likely have a lasting impact.

Lots of truly amazing stuff can be found within these pages. The layout of this particular edition, although comprehensive, leans more towards a scholarly style rather than being easily readable. One might as well go ahead and skip the chronological framework and instead focus on reading his best 9 or 12 or even 20 stories along with the random gels. Interestingly, even the editions that were published during his lifetime are rather broken, scattered, and arranged by date. As a result, a preface could potentially be 300 pages removed from the first story. However, despite these drawbacks, the stories are truly excellent in that strange allegorical way. They are an absolute must-read. One cannot afford to miss out on the unique and captivating world that these stories offer.

Hawthorne's dark flavor of cynicism has always been to my taste.

This collection is truly remarkable as it includes all the usual suspects that one would expect from his works. But what makes it even more special is the addition of many uncollected magazine pieces. These hidden gems have quickly become my new favorites.

In today's times, this book holds great significance. It delves deep into the dark underbelly of our Puritan heritage, shining a light on the aspects that are often overlooked or forgotten.

By reading this book, we can gain a better understanding of the complex and often troubled history that has shaped our society. It serves as a reminder that even the most seemingly perfect and pious cultures have their flaws and shadows.

Hawthorne's unique perspective and writing style make this book a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the darker side of human nature and the history that has influenced it.

Hawthorne, with his engaging writing that delves into the supernatural and gothic world, is indeed one of the prominent exponents of this style in the early half of the 18th century. His works have had a profound influence on numerous other writers who followed him.

Take "Young Master Brown" for instance. Many movie scenes we encounter today might have been inspired by this tale written in 1835. In it, the protagonist observes the most ordinary people in society, ranging from pastors and priests to politicians and merchants, from acquaintances to unknown pedestrians in a city. As he watches them closely, he realizes that they are either devils or adherents of a satanic cult. I recall, for example, "The Devil's Advocate" or a TV adaptation of an episode of "Grimm".

In this tale, the characters' names are symbolically related, serving as a direct metaphor for the story itself, similar to "American Gods" by Neil Gaiman. Here, we find a woman named Faith and the protagonist Goodman.

From the dark and mysterious adventure of a satanic cult, with the uncertainty of whether it is a dream or reality, and the participation of a kind of secret society with the most unlikely members, the author poses two profound reflections: Is the greater evil that which resides within people? And can guilt and obsession intoxicate an individual's mind in a radical way until death?

True talent is born, not made.

Although his earliest works display an immaturity that vanishes as the writer perfects his craft, Hawthorne's gift is evident from the start.

His tales might be inconsistent - some frustrating due to questionable endings, others leaning towards the ordinary - yet all paint wonderful images in the mind.

The majority of these stories are well worth perusing, and you will cherish the experience of some for years.

His word usage is simply brilliant.

And his essays (sketches) are equally entertaining.

It's a long read that never feels tiresome.

One can't help but be captivated by Hawthorne's unique writing style and the vivid worlds he creates.

His works have stood the test of time and continue to engage readers today.

Whether it's the mysterious atmosphere of his tales or the thought-provoking nature of his essays, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Hawthorne's talent is truly a gift that keeps on giving.

I just finished reading "The Artist of the Beautiful." It is an incredibly beautiful story that follows one man's life-long pursuit of creating his dream of the beautiful. The sacrifices he makes and the obstacles he overcomes in achieving that dream are truly inspiring.

The author has masterfully crafted a tale that not only showcases the artist's unwavering dedication but also delves into the deeper meaning and significance of beauty. As I read, I was transported into the artist's world, experiencing his joys and sorrows, his moments of inspiration and doubt.

This story is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the power of art and the human spirit. It makes you think about what it means to pursue a dream and the lengths we are willing to go to make it a reality. I will definitely be reading it again to fully appreciate the beauty that the artist has created with his words.

The collection of works presented here is truly a remarkable one. It includes a diverse range of stories and sketches that offer a glimpse into different worlds and experiences. From the mysterious "The Hollow of Tree Hills" to the thought-provoking "The Minister's Black Veil", each piece has its own unique charm and significance.

Authors like Sir William Phips, Mrs. Hutchinson, and Dr. Bullivant have contributed their talents to this compilation, creating a rich tapestry of literature. The works span various genres, including horror, romance, and adventure, ensuring there is something for every reader.

Some of the titles, such as "Young Goodman Brown" and "Wakefield", are well-known classics that have stood the test of time. Others, like "The Ambitious Guest" and "A Rill from the Town Pump", may be less familiar but are equally engaging.

The completion dates of these works, ranging from 04.16.23 to 06.26.24, add an interesting historical dimension to the collection. It allows us to see how the literary landscape evolved during this period and how different authors responded to the cultural and social changes of their times.

Overall, this collection is a treasure trove of literary gems that is sure to delight and inspire readers of all ages.

What a great joy and precious treasure this is!

Thanks to the Library of America and all those who have put in the effort to create this wonderful collection.

I truly wish that I could give each and every one of you, as well as Hawthorne, a big and warm hug.

This collection is not only a compilation of literary works but also a testament to the dedication and passion of those involved in its making.

It allows us to explore the rich and diverse world of literature, and to discover the beauty and depth of Hawthorne's writing.

We should be grateful for such a remarkable achievement and cherish this collection for years to come.

The effect of reading a Hawthorne story is truly remarkable. It is similar to that unique feeling we sometimes experience when we stand on the ocean shore.

In the face of the vast and unyielding power of the sea, our sense of time and self seems to fade away and become extremely tenuous.

Let the simple yet disturbing domestic horror story known as “Wakefield” be a representative example for the rest.

The plot of this story couldn't be more straightforward. One day, a man simply walks out of his house and never comes back. Instead, he takes up residence just around the corner. For twenty long years, he lives on the fringes of his previous life.

He offers no explanation, not a single word, and indeed, he has no communication at all with his wife. The reader gets to observe her haunted days, as if looking through her parlor window.

This story, like many of Hawthorne's works, has the power to make us question our sense of self, our perception of time, and the mysteries that lie within the human psyche.

Most readers will have been introduced to Hawthorne, if at all, through The Scarlet Letter.

This comprehensive collection of shorter works offers an alternative approach to Hawthorne's œuvre. Most importantly, it includes his earlier works of stories, sketches, and allegorical observations. The strongest of these is Tales from an Old Manse, an early collection written at the Old Manse in Concord.

Hawthorne's strength lies in his minute observation of daily life and its resonance within the larger framework of New England mores and morality. Loosely and simplistically put, he captures the gothic and the allegorical in Massachusetts life and relates it in universal terms. His prose is rather accessible for a reader expecting two-century-old writing and flows fairly smoothly.

Obviously, a collection such as this is for the completist, but it rewards the patient reader. More than his contemporaries - Emerson, Thoreau, Alcott, and Dickinson - Hawthorne opens a window into early 19th-century American life and relates it to the eternal. Few of his observations have become dated in the interim. Even when allowing the Puritan bedrocks of morality to peek through, the tales and sketches are more relatable than The Scarlet Letter is for most readers.

If you loved his novels or The Scarlet Letter, you'll love this collection. If you're open to curiosity, give him a try. There is a reason that he is in the American canon, with an emphasis on American.

No, I'm nowhere near finished with this. But, we read several stories in class which I loved so I have the intention of updating this review when I read more of these stories on my own time.

Roger Malvin's Burial is an outstanding piece that truly deserves 5 stars. The story is filled with intense emotions and a captivating plot that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

Young Goodman Brown is also a great read, earning 4.5 stars. It delves into themes of morality and the human psyche in a thought-provoking way.

The Birth-Mark, with its 4 stars, presents a unique and interesting concept. The exploration of beauty and perfection is both fascinating and somewhat disturbing.

The Celestial Railroad is another 5-star story. It has a charm and a sense of adventure that makes it a joy to read.

Rappaccini's Daughter is also a 5-star gem. The story's atmosphere and the complex characters add to its allure.

The Old Manse preface, while not as highly rated at 3.5 stars, still offers some valuable insights and sets the stage for the other works.

Overall, these stories have left a lasting impression on me, and I look forward to reading more and sharing my thoughts in the future.