Twice-Told Tales

This compilation of short stories by Nathaniel Hawthorne gained its name from the fact all had appeared in magazines and periodical publications prior to becoming part of a book.

First released in 1837, the Twice-Told Tales range in genre from the mystery fiction from which Hawthorne made his name, to sensuous and emotional tales depicting pastoral life and events, to horror stories filled with tension. As with his masterwork novels, many of the stories pay attention to the distant past which was a fascination for Hawthorne. 

Many are inspired by existing folk tales and allegorical stories, and are placed into the short story form so the reader may enjoy them with ease in a single sitting. Born with the gift of compelling characterisation, Hawthorne's stories share a common strain in grabbing and holding the reader's attention - a trait which is maintained even to the modern day. 

Although initially unpopular and struggling to sell, the Twice-Told Tales were lauded by critics and fellow literary personages of the 19th century. It was only after Hawthorne's wildly successful novel The Scarlet Letter was published in 1850 that these stories gained public prominence via a reissue.