Nathaniel Hawthorne: Collected Novels (Loa #10): The Scarlet Letter / The House of Seven Gables / The Blithedale Romance / Fanshawe / The Marble Faun

Nathaniel Hawthorne's prose is timeless and he remains the best. His use of the English language provides a treat on every page. Yes, it is slow going and lacks rapid fire action. Not a bad thing in this day and age. If you are looking for a real hero do not neglect Fanshaw.

Unlike other reviews, this is not a review of just "The Scarlet Letter," but the entire Library of America volume. Here are all five of Hawthorne's completed novels in one volume, and they are true treasures of American literature. "Fanshawe" is an early experiment and a simple story that is more interesting as a part of Hawthorne's development as a writer than a great work in itself. Next is the famous "Scarlet Letter." It is a great work and gives much enjoyment when read slowly and with a receptive spirit. After is the delightfully gothic "The House of the Seven Gables," which is another great work and an exploration of the soul of man. "The Blithedale Romance" is less successful than the two preceding, but is still an enjoyable read, regardless of the fact that it leaves the reader wanting more at the end. It addresses the issue of a Utopia on earth, and has interesting characters. Lastly, "The Marble Faun" is a romance involving Americans in Italy, and explores the nature of evil and its effects on the human heart. In my opinion, it is Hawthorne's greatest and most successful work, and the one place where he fully realizes his potential. It is not as repetitive as "The Scarlet Letter," and has more depth than "Gables." As for the physical book: simply put, the Library of America edition is wonderful; easy to hold, easy to read, and attractive to look at--a near perfect edition. My only complaint is that the notes in the back could be more thorough, but, then again, this is a reading edition, and not a scholarly edition. Perfect for sitting at home in a comfortable chair and relaxing to a good read. And a final comment about Hawthorne's style--he wrote in the nineteenth century, when more emphasis was placed on sonorous language and the enjoyability of reading. He was not a self-absorbed modernist, or a smut entertainer. His books are meant to be read slowly and attentively. Often Hawthorne explores the same idea from numerous angles, always trying to bring the reader closer to his (Hawthorne's) own understanding. When an author does this, it is because he wants us to pay attention. Many times I have re-read a paragraph or line just to enjoy the flow of the words and his rich descriptive style. Also, his works have great psychological depth and an uncompromising moral vision that will be revealed to the receptive reader. Buy this book, sit back, read, and enjoy the art of a master. Then, when you finish, pick up the companion Library of America volume of his short works!

I strongly agree with Richard's comments. Hawthorne should be read again and again throughout one's life. Even the great master of the novel, Henry James, found himself coming back time and again to Hawthorne as a touchstone of his creative imagination. We are fortunate to have dedicated teachers lead us through Hawthorne's work while we are teenagers, as adults we can read his work and appreciate it as a great work of art. Those who prefer to run through literature at a rapid pace would be better off staying with Marvel Comics. Library of America has provided a great service by publishing the Centenary Edition of Hawthorne in this beautiful edition. We are the better for it who can meditate deeply on the art and imagination of Nathaniel Hawthorne.

Please, whatever you do, don't categorize Hawthorne's (or any writer's) work as a long-winded relic from some gradeschool lit class. True, we English teachers are about the only folks left trying to keep this literature alive, but we do it because it's so worth preserving. I'll admit we do a disservice to Hawthorne by "forcing" young people to read it. Often a lack of maturity in the reader only translates to resentment for the writer, which in Hawthorne's case is a real shame. So you were "bored" by The Scarlet Letter when you were 15 years old... What a surprise... Has anything about you changed since then? Have you matured? Is there any possibility that you are more prepared today, as a thirty year old, to read, understand and appreciate Hawthorne's stories (and his brilliant style) than you were fifteen years ago? Give yourself some credit and give these great writers another try. You may be surprised at how deeply Hawthorne's insights into human nature cut after experiencing more of life yourself.

I love all of Hawthorne's books but this one was his all time best