5.0 out of 5 stars
Essential For Hawthorne Readers, July 28, 2000
This review is from: Dolliver Romance (Volume 11 ) (The Works Of Nathaniel Hawthorne (12 Volumes) (Library Binding)
I call this esential because it provides a view of Hawthorne that one may not usually see. Fanshawe was his first work, the rest in this collection comprise some of his last. Dolliver, Septimius, and the Ancestral Footstep all involve a scientist (or seeker) character involved in the discovery of a secret "Elixir of Life" that has been past through generations and serves as a link between Europe and the New World. None of these texts, having been written by Hawthorne in the last three years of his life, were ever completed. Nonetheless, they provide a view of the author not often recognized in reading his other works. Key issues in these texts are scientific research, the progression of life to death, and succession after death, either through legacy or inheritance. Unfortunately, the author was never able to polish this dicussion in one distinct title, and thus we are left with four drafts to ponder. (Only three are included in this volume; the fourth, which I would also recommend, is Dr. Grimshawe's Secret.) There is no loss in this, for Hawthorne's difficulty in writing these works is a testament to their complexity, and each provides separate details wich lead to the reader's complete understanding of the author's inetentions. As romances, Septimius Felton, and Dr. Grimshawe's Secret stand apart as complete and entertaining texts, most intriguing for the scientific research ethic that Hawthornes implies. Until these works were published, similar issues could only be found -- less completely developed -- in the author's short stories (such as "The Birth-Mark," "Rappaccini's Daughter," and "Dr. Heidegger's Experiment"). Enjoy. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
1 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Too long, February 24, 2000
This review is from: Dolliver Romance (Volume 11 ) (The Works Of Nathaniel Hawthorne (12 Volumes) (Library Binding)
If you have no patience for reading-don't try this one
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No