Nathaniel Hawthorne Books In Order Of Release

Nathaniel Hawthorne, one of America’s most celebrated authors, crafted timeless stories that delve into the complexities of human nature, morality, and Puritan society. From The Scarlet Letter to lesser-known gems, his works remain essential reading for literature lovers. If you’re eager to explore Hawthorne’s bibliography or wondering where to start, this guide lists all Nathaniel Hawthorne books in order, with insights to captivate both new readers and longtime fans.

Whether you’re a student, a book club member, or a curious reader, this SEO-friendly guide will help you navigate Hawthorne’s literary world while offering tips on why his stories still resonate today. Let’s dive into the complete list of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s books, organized chronologically by publication, along with key details about each work.

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Why Read Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Books?

Before we jump into the list, let’s explore why Hawthorne’s works are worth your time:

• Timeless Themes: His stories tackle guilt, sin, and redemption, themes that remain relevant across generations.
• Rich Historical Context: Hawthorne’s Puritan New England settings offer a window into America’s early cultural landscape.
• Psychological Depth: His characters’ inner struggles make his narratives compelling and relatable.
• Literary Influence: Hawthorne’s prose influenced authors like Herman Melville and Henry James, cementing his legacy in American literature.

Whether you’re drawn to gothic romance, moral dilemmas, or historical fiction, Hawthorne’s books deliver something for every reader.

List of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Books in Series Order

Nathaniel Hawthorne’s bibliography primarily consists of standalone novels, short story collections, children’s books, and nonfiction. However, his children’s mythology retellings form a clear series: A Wonder-Book for Girls and Boys (1852) and Tanglewood Tales (1853). These two works are interconnected, with Tanglewood Tales serving as a direct sequel set in the same narrative frame.

For completeness, I’ve organized the table below by series where applicable. Standalone works are grouped under “Standalone Works” and listed in publication order. Unfinished/posthumous works are noted separately. This structure highlights any series progression while providing a full overview.

Series Name	Book #	Title	Publication Year	Type	Brief Description
Children’s Mythology Series	1	A Wonder-Book for Girls and Boys	1852	Children’s Book	Retellings of six Greek myths (e.g., Perseus, Midas) framed as stories told to children.
Children’s Mythology Series	2	Tanglewood Tales	1853	Children’s Book	Sequel with six more Greek myths (e.g., Jason, Theseus), continuing the storytelling frame from a rustic home called Tanglewood.
Standalone Works	–	Fanshawe	1828	Novel	An early, anonymously published novel about a scholar’s love triangle; later disowned by Hawthorne.
Standalone Works	–	Twice-Told Tales	1837 (expanded 1842)	Short Story Collection	Iconic tales like “The Minister’s Black Veil” and “Young Goodman Brown” explore sin and hypocrisy.
Standalone Works	–	Mosses from an Old Manse	1846	Short Story Collection	Stories like “Rappaccini’s Daughter” blend gothic and moral themes.
Standalone Works	–	The Scarlet Letter	1850	Novel	Masterpiece about Hester Prynne’s shame and redemption in Puritan society.
Standalone Works	–	The House of the Seven Gables	1851	Novel	Gothic family curse story set in a haunted New England home.
Standalone Works	–	The Snow-Image, and Other Twice-Told Tales	1852	Short Story Collection	Reflective tales, including “The Snow-Image” on innocence and imagination.
Standalone Works	–	The Blithedale Romance	1852	Novel	Critique of utopian communities inspired by Brook Farm.
Standalone Works	–	Life of Franklin Pierce	1852	Biography	Campaign biography of Hawthorne’s friend, the future U.S. President.
Standalone Works	–	Our Old Home	1863	Essays/Nonfiction	Observations from Hawthorne’s time in England.
Standalone Works	–	The Marble Faun	1860	Novel	Gothic romance set in Italy involving art, murder, and morality.
Unfinished/Posthumous Works	–	Septimius Felton	1872	Unfinished Novel	Fragment on immortality and alchemy.
Unfinished/Posthumous Works	–	The Dolliver Romance	1876	Unfinished Novel	An incomplete tale of an aging apothecary seeking youth.
Unfinished/Posthumous Works	–	Dr. Grimshawe’s Secret	1882	Unfinished Novel	Mysterious narrative with autobiographical elements.

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Nathaniel Hawthorne Books in Order of Publication

Below is the complete list of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s major published works, including novels, short story collections, and other significant writings. We’ve included publication years, brief descriptions, and why each book matters.

1. Fanshawe (1828)

• Genre: Novel
• Summary: Hawthorne’s first novel, published anonymously, follows a young scholar, Fanshawe, caught in a love triangle and a dramatic rescue. Set in a New England college, it explores themes of intellect versus emotion.
• Why Read It?: Though Hawthorne later disowned Fanshawe, it’s a fascinating glimpse into his early style. Perfect for completists who want to trace his evolution as a writer.
• Fun Fact: Hawthorne was so embarrassed by Fanshawe that he tried to destroy all copies!

2. Twice-Told Tales (1837, expanded 1842)

• Genre: Short Story Collection
• Summary: This collection includes iconic stories like “The Minister’s Black Veil” and “Young Goodman Brown,” which explore sin, hypocrisy, and human nature through Puritan lenses.
• Why Read It?: These tales showcase Hawthorne’s mastery of the short story form and his ability to weave allegory with psychological insight.
• Reader Tip: Start with “Young Goodman Brown” for a chilling, thought-provoking read.

3. Mosses from an Old Manse (1846)

• Genre: Short Story Collection
• Summary: Named after the Massachusetts house where Hawthorne lived, this collection features stories like “Rappaccini’s Daughter” and “The Birth-Mark,” blending science, morality, and gothic elements.
• Why Read It?: These stories highlight Hawthorne’s fascination with human imperfection and the dangers of obsession.
• Perfect For: Fans of gothic literature and philosophical narratives.

4. The Scarlet Letter (1850)

• Genre: Novel
• Summary: Hawthorne’s masterpiece follows Hester Prynne, a woman shunned for adultery in Puritan Boston, as she navigates shame, resilience, and redemption. The scarlet “A” she wears becomes a powerful symbol.
• Why Read It?: A cornerstone of American literature, The Scarlet Letter combines rich symbolism with a gripping human story. Its exploration of guilt and societal judgment is timeless.
• Pro Tip: Pair this with a modern discussion group to unpack its feminist undertones.

5. The House of the Seven Gables (1851)

• Genre: Novel
• Summary: This gothic novel traces the Pyncheon family’s curse, tied to their ancestral home and a history of greed and injustice. It blends mystery, romance, and supernatural elements.
• Why Read It?: Fans of family sagas and haunted house stories will love its atmospheric storytelling.
• Did You Know?The novel was inspired by a real house in Salem, Massachusetts, where Hawthorne’s cousin lived.

6. The Snow-Image, and Other Twice-Told Tales (1852)

• Genre: Short Story Collection
• Summary: This collection includes “The Snow-Image,” a poignant tale of imagination, alongside other allegorical stories exploring innocence and morality.
• Why Read It?: These lesser-known stories offer a quieter, more introspective side of Hawthorne’s writing.
• Best For: Readers who enjoy reflective, symbolic narratives.

7. The Blithedale Romance (1852)

• Genre: Novel
• Summary: Inspired by Hawthorne’s time at the utopian Brook Farm, this novel follows a group of idealists whose communal experiment unravels amid love, jealousy, and betrayal.
• Why Read It?: It’s a fascinating critique of utopian ideals and a showcase of Hawthorne’s ability to blend romance with social commentary.
• Reader Tip: Look for parallels to modern intentional communities.

8. Life of Franklin Pierce (1852)

• Genre: Biography
• Summary: Hawthorne wrote this campaign biography for his friend Franklin Pierce, who became the 14th U.S. President.
• Why Read It?: While not a literary work, it offers insight into Hawthorne’s personal connections and his views on politics.
• Best For: History buffs interested in 19th-century American politics.

9. A Wonder-Book for Girls and Boys (1852)

• Genre: Children’s Mythology
• Summary: Hawthorne retells Greek myths, like the story of Pandora’s Box, in a style accessible to young readers.
• Why Read It?: A charming departure from his darker works, this book showcases his versatility.
• Perfect For: Parents or educators looking for classic children’s literature.

10. Tanglewood Tales (1853)

• Genre: Children’s Mythology
• Summary: A sequel to A Wonder-Book, this collection reimagines more Greek myths, including the Minotaur and the Golden Fleece.
• Why Read It?: Its engaging storytelling makes mythology fun and approachable.
• Fun Fact: Hawthorne wrote these stories for his own children.

11. The Marble Faun (1860)

• Genre: Novel
• Summary: Set in Italy, this gothic romance follows a group of artists entangled in mystery, murder, and moral questions. It explores art, innocence, and the human soul.
• Why Read It?: Hawthorne’s final completed novel is a lush, atmospheric read that reflects his fascination with European culture.
• Reader Tip: Ideal for fans of travel literature and psychological drama.

12. Our Old Home (1863)

• Genre: Nonfiction/Essays
• Summary: A collection of essays based on Hawthorne’s time in England, reflecting on culture, history, and his experiences as a consul.
• Why Read It?: Offers a personal look at Hawthorne’s observations and his life abroad.
• Best For: Readers interested in 19th-century travel writing.

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Unfinished Works and Posthumous Publications

Hawthorne left several unfinished novels at the time of his death in 1864, which were later published:

• Septimius Felton (1872): A fragmented tale of immortality and alchemy.
• The Dolliver Romance (1876): An incomplete story about an aging apothecary.
• Dr. Grimshawe’s Secret (1882): A mysterious narrative with autobiographical elements.

These works are best for dedicated Hawthorne scholars, as they lack the polish of his completed books.

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How to Start Reading Nathaniel Hawthorne

Not sure where to begin? Here’s a quick guide based on your interests:

• For Beginners: Start with The Scarlet Letter for its gripping story and cultural significance.
• For Short Story Fans: Dive into Twice-Told Tales or Mosses from an Old Manse for bite-sized brilliance.
• For Gothic Lovers: Try The House of the Seven Gables or The Marble Faun for eerie, atmospheric vibes.
• For Young Readers: Explore A Wonder-Book or Tanglewood Tales for family-friendly myths.

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Why Hawthorne’s Books Matter Today

Hawthorne’s exploration of guilt, identity, and societal pressure resonates in our modern world, where judgment and redemption are constant themes. His works also offer a lens into America’s Puritan roots, helping readers understand the nation’s cultural evolution. Plus, his lush prose and psychological depth make every page a literary treat.

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Where to Find Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Books

Most of Hawthorne’s works are in the public domain, making them widely available:

• Free Ebooks: Check Project Gutenberg or LibriVox for digital versions.
• Physical Copies: Look for annotated editions from publishers like Penguin Classics or Oxford World’s Classics for helpful notes.
• Libraries: Most libraries stock The Scarlet Letter and his major works.
• Bookstores: Independent bookstores often carry beautifully bound collections of his stories.

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Conclusion: Embark on Your Nathaniel Hawthorne Journey

Nathaniel Hawthorne’s books offer a rich tapestry of human experience, from the weight of sin to the beauty of myth. By reading his works in order, you’ll witness his growth as a writer and his enduring impact on literature. Whether you start with The Scarlet Letter or dive into his short stories, you’re in for a thought-provoking ride.

Have a favorite Hawthorne book or a question about his works? Drop a comment below, and let’s discuss! For more literary guides and book recommendations, subscribe to our blog or follow us on social media.