Nathaniel Hawthorne and The Scarlet Letter

This Kindle edition, equivalent in length to a physical book of approximately 16 pages, consists of two parts. Part I, a biography of Hawthorne, was originally published in 1906 in “American A Handbook of American Literature.” Part II, a highly condensed retelling of Hawthorne’s best-known work, “The Scarlet Letter,” was originally published in 1920 in “One Hundred Best Novels Condensed, Vol. 4.” Sample (from Part I, the biography) At seventeen [Hawthorne] entered Bowdoin College and had as college-mates Longfellow, Franklin Pierce, and Abbott. At this time he was said to be the handsomest young man in that part of the world. He was five feet ten and a half inches in height, broad-shouldered, but of a light, athletic build, not weighing more than one hundred and fifty pounds; his eyes were large, dark blue, brilliant, and full of expression. Bayard Taylor used to say that they were the only eyes he had ever known to flash fire. Charles Reade said he never saw such eyes as Hawthorne’s in a human head. An old gypsy woman met him and asked, “Are you a man or an angel?” His complexion was transparent, with a ruddy tinge in his cheeks. (from Part II, “The Scarlet Letter,” condensed) Freed from prison, Hester did not flee, but established herself in a small cottage just outside the town, incurring no risk of want, for she possessed the art of needlework, which provided food for herself and child. She had named the little one “Pearl,” as being of great price, and little Pearl grew up a lovely child. People wished to take her away, and the matter was discussed in the mother’s presence by Governor Bellingham and his guests—Rev. John Wilson, Rev. Mr. Dimmesdale, and Doctor Chillingworth. About the Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864) was an American novelist best known for “The Scarlet Letter” and “The House of the Seven Gables.” Mildred Lewis Rutherford (1851-1928) was an American historian, educator, and author; other works include “English A Handbook of English Literature” and “French A Handbook of French Literature.” George S. Barton (died 1949) was the founder of “Boys’ Life” magazine, the official publication of the Boys Scouts of America.