The Life and Genius of Nathaniel Hawthorne

"The Life and Genius of Nathaniel Hawthorne" by Frank Preston Stearns is a story about the life and works of a famous American author. The book starts by looking at Salem, Massachusetts, a place that was really important to Hawthorne and his family history. It talks about how Salem's past, including the scary times of the witchcraft trials, affected Hawthorne and his writing. It also gives us details about his family going way back, showing what their lives were like in the early days of America. By understanding Hawthorne's background and where he came from, the book helps us appreciate his stories and what made him such a great writer.