Comparing The House of the Seven Gables to the Scarlet Letter - photo 1
Comparing The House of the Seven Gables to the Scarlet Letter - photo 2

Comparing The House of the Seven Gables to the Scarlet Letter

Starting price
$ 30 000
Auction dateClassic
15.06.2023 10:00UTC -04:00
Auctioneer
CHRISTIE'S
Event location
USA, New York
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ID 967653
Lot 95 | Comparing The House of the Seven Gables to the Scarlet Letter
Comparing The House of the Seven Gables to the Scarlet Letter

Nathaniel Hawthorne, 11 March 1851

HAWTHORNE, Nathaniel (1804-1864). Autograph letter signed ("N.H.") to Elizabeth Hawthorne, Lenox, 11 March 1851.



Two pages, bifolium, 211 x 135mm (contemporary ink smudges, mild dampstains).



Hawthorne on the recently-completed The House of the Seven Gables, "[it] has more merit than the Scarlet Letter; but it will hardly make so much noise as that." A superb letter written in the weeks prior to the publication of the second of Hawthorne's four romances, addressed to his sister Elizabeth while she was staying near Beverly. Addressed "Dear E," Hawthorne opens by relating that "Sophia is busy from morning till night; and I myself am so much occupied with pen and ink that I hate the thought of writing, except from necessity." He then comments about the impending publication of The House of the Seven Gables: "My book will be out about the 20th inst; and I have directed two copies to be sent to the care of Mr. [John] Dike (Hawthorne's uncle). You can dispose of them both as you like; but I should think it best to let him have one. The book, I think, has more merit than the Scarlet Letter; but it will hardly make so much noise as that." He continues, discussing copies of the new edition of Twice-Told Tales just sent to him, and complains of the many "literary people, who send me their books, and expect mine in return." He then asks Elizabeth about her work on an English translation of Cervantes: "it appears to me that there can be hardly any doubt of success and profit from it" (it was never published). He outlines his plans for coming to Salem and Boston in June, mentions a coming visit from Dr. Peabody, and remarks on the pleasure of country living ("I think winter the best time for living in the country"). He concludes (apart from a six-line postscript). "Write me what you think of the House of the Seven Gables. Yours affectionately, N.H." A fine letter by Hawthorne mentioning his best-known works. Published in Letters, Centennial Edition, 16: 402-403.

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