Skip to content

The Scarlet Letter
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

The Scarlet Letter Paperback - 2011

by Nathaniel Hawthorne


About this book

The Scarlet Letter: A Romance (1850) is considered the American author Nathaniel Hawthorne's 'masterwork.' A work of historical fiction set in the Massachusetts Bay Colony during the Puritan settlement of 1642-1949 itells the story of Hester Prynne, who after having a child as a result of an extra-marital affair attempts to live a life of repentance and dignity although she is marked by having to wear a Scarlett A on her person. Throughout the novel, Hawthorne explores themes of legalism, sin, and guilt.

The Scarlett Letter was one of the first mass-produced novels in the United States, prior printing of books generally done by hand. The 2,500 copies first printed sold out in days, and the mass-production of books opened up conversation about books and authors to a wider-audience on a national level. The first edition of The Scarlet Letter sold out in ten days and “made Hawthorne’s fame, changed his fortune and gave to our literature its first symbolic novel a year before the appearance of Melville’s Moby-Dick” (Bradley). Although an instant best-seller, the books sales over fourteen years only brought the author $1500.

From the publisher

2011 Reprint of 1850 Edition. "The Scarlet Letter" is an 1850 romantic work of fiction in a historical setting, written by Nathaniel Hawthorne. It is considered to be his magnum opus. Set in 17th-century Puritan Boston during the years 1642 to 1649, it tells the story of Hester Prynne, who conceives a daughter through an adulterous affair and struggles to create a new life of repentance and dignity. Throughout the book, Hawthorne explores themes of legalism, sin, and guilt. "The Scarlet Letter' attained an immediate and lasting success because it addressed spiritual and moral issues from a uniquely American standpoint. In 1850 adultery was an extremely risque subject, but because Hawthorne had the support of the New England literary establishment, it passed easily into the realm of appropriate reading. "The Scarlet Letter" represents the height of Hawthorne's literary genius; dense with terse descriptions. It remains relevant for its philosophical and psychological depth, and continues to be read as a classic tale on a universal theme.

First Edition Identification

First edition published by Ticknor, Reeds and Fields, in Boston 1850. Main first edition marker is "reduplicate" instead of "repudiate" on page 21 Four page publisher's adverts at front dated March 1, 1850 and preceding the free end paper. The brown T-cloth favored by Ticknor & Fields is famous for becoming brittle with age, and cracking or fraying at the spine tips. First editions can run upwards of $20,000.

The second edition adds a preface and has a Metcalf imprint on verso of title-page. The third printing has the same preface but has a Hobart & Robbins imprint on verso of title-page.

Details

  • Title The Scarlet Letter
  • Author Nathaniel Hawthorne
  • Binding Paperback
  • Pages 188
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Martino Fine Books
  • Date 2011-10-12
  • Illustrated Yes
  • ISBN 9781614271888 / 1614271887
  • Weight 0.62 lbs (0.28 kg)
  • Dimensions 9 x 6 x 0.43 in (22.86 x 15.24 x 1.09 cm)
  • Reading level 410
  • Themes
    • Cultural Region: New England
    • Geographic Orientation: Massachusetts
  • Dewey Decimal Code FIC
Back to Top

More Copies for Sale

The Scarlet Letter
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

The Scarlet Letter

by Nathaniel Hawthorne

  • Used
  • good
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 13
9781614271888
ISBN 10
1614271887
Quantity Available
1
Seller
HOUSTON, Texas, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
NZ$46.25
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Martino Fine Books, 2011-10-12. Paperback. Good.
Item Price
NZ$46.25
FREE shipping to USA