Twice-Told Tales (1837) by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a collection of short stories that blend New England history, moral allegory, and elements of the supernatural. Each tale, previously published in magazines, is "twice told" through Hawthorne's rich narrative voice. The collection explores themes such as guilt, pride, conscience, and the complexities of human nature, laying the groundwork for his later, more famous works.
Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864) was an American novelist and short story writer known for his dark romanticism and use of allegory and symbolism. A descendant of Puritans, he often explored moral conflict and inherited guilt, particularly in works like The Scarlet Letter and The House of the Seven Gables. He is considered a central figure in 19th-century American literature.