Hawthorne (English Men of Letters Series)   By: Henry James (1843-1916)

In his work on Nathaniel Hawthorne, Henry James delivers an insightful analysis of the great American writer's life and literary career. Through his comprehensive study, James provides readers with an in-depth exploration of Hawthorne’s artistic process, personal struggles, and thematic concerns.

One of the book's most impressive aspects is James's ability to capture the essence of Hawthorne's unique and enigmatic writing style. Drawing on his own experiences as a novelist, James skillfully elucidates the complex themes and symbols that pervade Hawthorne's works, highlighting the author's mastery of psychological depth and subtlety. With great sensitivity, he examines Hawthorne's recurring motifs of guilt, sin, and the ambiguity of human nature, and convincingly argues for their enduring relevance.

Moreover, James delves into Hawthorne's personal life, shedding light on the circumstances that shaped his literary career. From his secluded childhood in Salem to his time as a customs officer in Boston, James expertly weaves together biographical details to illuminate the connections between Hawthorne's life and his art. This interplay between fact and fiction adds depth to the overall analysis, allowing readers to better grasp the motivations behind Hawthorne's characters and narratives.

Throughout the book, James displays his tremendous scholarship and literary appreciation, offering readers a profound understanding of Hawthorne's contributions to American literature. The depth of his research is evident in the numerous references to Hawthorne's works, as well as in the extensive quotations that enhance the reader's comprehension of the text. James's meticulous attention to detail and his careful examination of the social and cultural contexts in which Hawthorne wrote contribute to a comprehensive and thoroughly engaging exploration of the author's significance.

However, some readers may find James's writing style a bit dense, as he tends to employ a formal and rather academic tone throughout the book. This might make it less accessible to those who are not familiar with Hawthorne or who are looking for a more casual introduction to his life and works. Nevertheless, for those willing to invest time and effort into a deeper analysis, James's book provides immense value and enriches the reader's understanding of both Hawthorne as an individual and as a literary figure.

Overall, Hawthorne is a captivating and thought-provoking book that showcases Henry James's considerable talent as a literary critic. It stands as a testament to Hawthorne's enduring influence on American literature and serves as an indispensable resource for anyone interested in delving into the complexities of his writing.

First Page:

It will be necessary, for several reasons, to give this short sketch the form rather of a critical essay than of a biography. The data for a life of Nathaniel Hawthorne are the reverse of copious, and even if they were abundant they would serve but in a limited measure the purpose of the biographer. Hawthorne's career was probably as tranquil and uneventful a one as ever fell to the lot of a man of letters; it was almost strikingly deficient in incident, in what may be called the dramatic quality. Few men of equal genius and of equal eminence can have led on the whole a simpler life... Continue reading book >>