True Stories of History and Biography

by Nathaniel Hawthorne, Hammatt Billings

This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.

Genres: History, Biography, Classics, Nonfiction

186 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 1972

About the author

Nathaniel Hawthorne was a 19th century American novelist and short story writer. He is seen as a key figure in the development of American literature for his tales of the nation's colonial history.

Shortly after graduating from Bowdoin College, Hathorne changed his name to Hawthorne. Hawthorne anonymously published his first work, a novel titled Fanshawe, in 1828. In 1837, he published Twice-Told Tales and became engaged to painter and illustrator Sophia Peabody the next year. He worked at a Custom House and joined a Transcendentalist Utopian community, before marrying Peabody in 1842. The couple moved to The Old Manse in Concord, Massachusetts, later moving to Salem, the Berkshires, then to The Wayside in Concord. The Scarlet Letter was published in 1850, followed by a succession of other novels. A political appointment took Hawthorne and family to Europe before returning to The Wayside in 1860. Hawthorne died on May 19, 1864, leaving behind his wife and their three children.

Much of Hawthorne's writing centers around New England and many feature moral allegories with a Puritan inspiration. His work is considered part of the Romantic movement and includes novels, short stories, and a biography of his friend, the United States President Franklin Pierce.

Reviews

[Nicholas Maulucci]

probably more of a three and a half. a charming book and unique. Nathaniel Hawthorne, the great American author, cunningly, informatively, and entertainingly recounts several stories in American history. each story is told by a grandfather to his grandchildren. great book for 4th-6th graders although content is more advanced. Hawthorne's genius shows through on this one. recommended for school children 1st-12th grade.

[Diane]

I thought I'd like to hear about early American history from an almost-early American. The stories of early settlers and prominent political figures told by Hawthorne were much the same as the ones I have heard in my time. I guess that shows they have been passed down correctly. I didn't enjoy the second set of biographies as much. I would have given the book 2.5 stars because of that.