The Complete Works of Nathaniel Hawthorne, Appendix to Volume XII: Tales, Sketches, and other Papers by Nathaniel Hawthorne with a Biographical Sketch by George Parsons Lathrop Biographical Sketch of Nathaniel Hawthorne

"The Complete Works of Nathaniel Hawthorne, Appendix to Volume XII: Tales, Sketches, and other Papers" by Nathaniel Hawthorne with a Biographical Sketch by George Parsons Lathrop is a compilation of stories and essays from the mid-1800s that are part of a larger collection displaying Hawthorne's writing, which explores morality, people, and society. The edition, decorated with art, includes a story about Hawthorne's life written by George Parsons Lathrop, which provides context for Hawthorne's stories. The collection starts by discussing Nathaniel Hawthorne, describing his family history and youth in Salem, Massachusetts, and focusing on his parents, along with the Salem witch trials and their effect on him. The biography describes Hawthorne's childhood, education, and dreams of being a writer, portraying a thoughtful boy affected by loneliness and loss, setting the stage for the many stories found in the collection.