“Passages from the American Note-Books Volume II” by Nathaniel Hawthorne continues the collection of personal reflections and diary entries that offer a detailed view of 19th-century America. In this volume, Hawthorne provides further insights into his experiences and observations as he travels across the American landscape.
The book reflects Hawthorne’s keen eye for detail and his ability to convey the historical and cultural context of the time. His notes explore a range of topics, from the natural beauty of American scenery to the intricacies of social interactions and the evolving cultural landscape. These entries serve as a valuable record of American life and provide a deeper understanding of the historical and literary backdrop of Hawthorne's era.
Through “Passages from the American Note-Books Volume II” readers gain a richer appreciation of Hawthorne’s literary perspective and the influences that shaped his work. The volume offers a continuation of his memoir-style observations, enriching the broader narrative of American literature with personal insights and reflections through his travel experiences, Hawthorne provides a nuanced and engaging view of 19th-century America, enriching readers’ understanding of the country's diversity and the varied experiences of its people. His experiences often highlight contrasts.
American author Nathaniel Hawthorne (July 4, 1804, to May 19, 1864) wrote both novels and short stories. His works typically touch on history, religion, and morality. His family had a lengthy history in Salem, Massachusetts, where he was born in 1804. Hawthorne enrolled at Bowdoin College in 1821, was chosen for membership in Phi Beta Kappa in 1824, and received his diploma in 1825. “Fanshawe” his debut novel, was published in 1828; he later tried to suppress it because he believed it fell short of the caliber of his later works. In magazines, he produced a number of short stories, which he later compiled as “Twice-Told Tales” in 1837. He proposed to Sophia Peabody the next year. Before getting married to Peabody in 1842, he joined the transcendentalist community of Brook Farm and worked at Boston Custom House. The pair first settled in Concord, Massachusetts' The Old Manse, before relocating to Salem, the Berkshires, and finally, The Wayside. Following the release of “The Scarlet Letter” in 1850, a number of other novels followed. Prior to their return to Concord, Hawthorne and his family travelled to Europe as part of a political appointment, as a consul. He passed away on May 19, 1864.
