A Wonder Book and Tanglewood Tales, for Girls and Boys

Nathaniel Hawthorne

Sep 2022 · DigiCat

About this ebook

Nathaniel Hawthorne's 'A Wonder Book and Tanglewood Tales, for Girls and Boys' presents a spellbinding amalgamation of ancient myths, artfully retold for a young 19th-century audience with Hawthorne's signature blend of New England Romanticism and allegorical storytelling. Within its pages, readers find a rich tapestry of Classical legends, reinvigorated through Hawthorne's imaginative lens and prosaic creativity. The tales, while maintaining the gravitas of their original forms, are rendered with a freshness that bridges past and present, speaking to both the youth of his time and the era's burgeoning literary scene. Hawthorne's style, rooted in the American Renaissance, skillfully balances antiquity's moral dilemmas with the transcendental aspirations of his contemporaries, reflecting a deep concern with themes of sin, knowledge, and the nature of humanity. In the incandescent glow of these rewritten myths, the insights of Nathaniel Hawthorne the person materialize. Renowned for his exploration of moral complexity and the dark recesses of human nature, Hawthorne drew upon his Puritan lineage and personal fascination with the intertwining of historical and symbolic significance. His attempt to recast these stories for a youthful audience reveals his desire to make such rich cultural heritage accessible and relevant, while contributing to the establishment of an American literary tradition founded upon a reinterpretation of classical roots. For those who seek a gateway to classical mythology entwined with the literary hallmarks of the American Renaissance, 'A Wonder Book and Tanglewood Tales' emerges as an essential read. This collection remains an enlightening resource for young minds delving into mythology for the first time, as well as for connoisseurs of literature who admire the enduring craft of Hawthorne's narrative genius. Hawthorne's work continues to captivate not only as a facet of juvenile literature but also as a study in the art of storytelling, resonant with universal themes and moral inquiries that transcend time and place.

About the author

Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864) remains a towering figure in American literature, renowned for his exploration of moral conflict and psychological complexity. Hawthorne was born in Salem, Massachusetts, which would later serve as the backdrop for some of his most famous works. A graduate of Bowdoin College, he associated with a circle of thinkers that included Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Franklin Pierce. His literary career was marked by themes of sin, guilt, and retribution, elegantly embroidered with allegory and symbolism. Hawthorne's mastery is particularly evident in his novels 'The Scarlet Letter' (1850) and 'The House of the Seven Gables' (1851), which delve into the moral undercurrents of American Puritan society. In his work 'A Wonder Book and Tanglewood Tales, for Girls and Boys' (1851), Hawthorne exhibited his versatility, reimagining Greek myths with a fresh, New England flair, suitable for children. His retellings in these collections encapsulate his gift for storytelling and his ability to appeal to a young audience without sacrificing literary quality. These stories also reflect his interest in the past and its connection to the present, a theme that resonates throughout his oeuvre. Hawthorne's influence extends beyond his death, with his writing style and themes contributing significantly to the Dark Romantic Movement. The psychological depths he charted and his distinctive narrative voice have secured his place in the pantheon of American writers.