The House of the Seven Gables: A Romance (The World's Best Reading)

Faux Leather bound Hardcover 287 pages. Condition Very Good Issued with NO Dust Jacket. Reader's Digest World's Best Reading Reprint edition 1985. Attractive green boards with leather 1/8 spine and gilt embossing shows off this Clean, tight, square copy with no marks, highlights or bookplates. Book Well kept and carefully stored in unread condition. Slight shelf wear. Not an ex-library, book club or remainder copy.

"The House of the Seven Gables" is a novel written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, first published in 1851. It is a Gothic novel set in New England, and it explores themes of guilt, redemption, fate, and the impact of the past on the present. The story is known for its intricate and mysterious atmosphere, as well as its exploration of the darker aspects of human nature.

The plot revolves around the Pyncheon family, who live in a gloomy and old mansion known as the House of the Seven Gables. The house itself is a central character in the story, representing the family's history, secrets, and the weight of past sins. The Pyncheon family has a history of conflicts and tensions, particularly related to the accusations of witchcraft and the cursed land upon which the house is built.

The protagonist, Hepzibah Pyncheon, is an elderly woman who is struggling to maintain the dignity of her family in the face of financial difficulties and a dark family legacy. The arrival of her cousin, Phineas Pyncheon, adds a new layer of complexity to the story, as he seeks to uncover the family's hidden wealth and power.

As the narrative unfolds, the novel delves into the complex relationships between the characters, the effects of the past on their lives, and the possibility of redemption. The story combines elements of mystery, romance, and psychological exploration, creating a captivating and thought-provoking work.

"The House of the Seven Gables" is renowned for its rich symbolism, vivid descriptions, and Hawthorne's exploration of the human psyche. It has been a subject of literary analysis and has influenced subsequent generations of writers.

Nathaniel Hawthorne was a 19th century American novelist and short story writer. He is seen as a key figure in the development of American literature for his tales of the nation's colonial history.

Much of Hawthorne's writing centers around New England and many feature moral allegories with a Puritan inspiration. His work is considered part of the Romantic movement and includes novels, short stories, and a biography of his friend, the United States President Franklin Pierce.