Mosses from an Old Manse

Nathaniel Hawthorne's Mosses from an Old Manse is a collection of tales and sketches that range from dark psychological fables to light satire and personal reflection. Written while Hawthorne lived in the historic Old Manse in Concord, Massachusetts, first published in 1846 and enlarged in 1854, the book includes some of his most famous stories, such as The Birthmark, Young Goodman Brown, and Rappaccini's Daughter, alongside humorous pieces like Mrs. Bullfrog and Feathertop. Hawthorne explores ambition, guilt, faith, and the conflict between intellect and sympathy, often using allegory and symbol to probe the human heart.

Readers who enjoy classic American short fiction, moral allegory, and richly atmospheric prose will find much to admire here. The stories are short enough to read in one sitting but linger in the mind. This edition contains the complete text of Mosses from an Old Manse, a new introduction, a character guide, a summary of the book, a list of themes, a glossary of old and unusual words, and discussion questions for readers, students, and book clubs.