Twice Told Tales

Name: Twice Told Tales
Price: 20.50 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781537602776

✍️ Nathaniel Hawthorne

Reader Score

4.5

(1 review)

$20.50

In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days

📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A compilation of gothic short stories by Nathaniel Hawthorne, published in two volumes between 1837 and 1842.

This volume gathers previously magazine-published tales into a single accessible format. The first volume appeared in spring 1837, followed by the second in 1842. Hawthorne’s prose examines the intersection of morality and the supernatural. Readers encounter characters grappling with hidden sins and psychological burdens. The structure allows for varied tones within each narrative. The collection remains a significant entry point for understanding Hawthorne’s contribution to American letters. It offers a window into nineteenth-century literary sensibilities without requiring prior knowledge of his other works.

Key Themes

moral ambiguity supernatural elements psychological depth

Literary Context

Hawthorne published these stories in the mid-nineteenth century, a period marked by the rise of American romanticism and gothic fiction. The collection reflects the literary culture of magazines and annuals popular during that era.

Difficulty

●● Medium

Recommended For Fans Of

Edgar Allan Poe · H.P. Lovecraft · Shirley Jackson · The Gothic Tradition

🩸

Horror Fiction

🏛 Createspace Independent Publishing Platform 📅 2016 📖 484 pages 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781537602776

📝 Description: Twice Told Tales

Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Twice-Told Tales presents a collection of short fiction originally released in magazines and annuals before appearing in two volumes during the spring of 1837 and 1842. The title reflects this history, acknowledging that the narratives had already been told to the public once before their compilation into book form. Hawthorne, a recognized author in American literature, crafts stories that draw upon gothic and supernatural traditions. These tales often explore moral ambiguity and psychological depth, characteristic of his broader body of work. The book suits readers who appreciate classic American fiction with a focus on atmospheric storytelling and ethical dilemmas. It may not appeal to those seeking fast-paced action or modern horror tropes. The collection is organized into two distinct volumes, allowing the reader to experience the evolution of Hawthorne’s style over several years. Each story stands alone, yet together they form a cohesive examination of human nature through a lens of the uncanny and the mysterious.

💎 Our verdict on Twice Told Tales

“

🩸

Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

Hawthorne’s Twice-Told Tales offers a compelling blend of gothic atmosphere and psychological depth. The collection excels in presenting morally ambiguous narratives that challenge readers to consider the weight of hidden sins. By compiling previously published tales, it showcases the evolution of his style across distinct volumes. This edition is ideal for fans of dark fantasy and psychological horror who prefer slow-burn tension over immediate thrills. It provides a window into nineteenth-century sensibilities, making it essential for students of American literature. The stories stand alone yet contribute to a broader examination of human nature through the uncanny.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers seeking atmospheric depth and ethical complexity will find value in this compilation. It suits those who appreciate classic American fiction that explores the uncanny without relying on modern horror tropes or fast-paced action. The structure allows for a varied tonal experience, offering insight into nineteenth-century literary styles. Those interested in the intersection of morality and the supernatural will gain from examining how characters grapple with hidden sins. It serves as an accessible entry point to Hawthorne’s work, requiring no prior knowledge of his other texts while providing a cohesive examination of human nature through mysterious lenses.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.5

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

Hawthorne’s Twice-Told Tales offers a compelling blend of gothic atmosphere and psychological depth. The collection excels in presenting morally ambiguous narratives that challenge readers to consider the weight of hidden sins. By compiling previously published tales, it showcases the evolution of his style across distinct volumes. This edition is ideal for fans of dark fantasy and psychological horror who prefer slow-burn tension over immediate thrills. It provides a window into nineteenth-century sensibilities, making it essential for students of American literature. The stories stand alone yet contribute to a broader examination of human nature through the uncanny.