Publisher's Synopsis
The Blithedale Romance is a novel written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, first published in 1852. The story is set in the mid-19th century and follows the narrator, Miles Coverdale, as he joins a utopian community called Blithedale, located in rural Massachusetts. The community is made up of individuals who are seeking a simpler, more fulfilling way of life, away from the constraints of modern society.As Miles becomes more involved in the community, he becomes drawn to the enigmatic and beautiful Zenobia, a feminist and outspoken member of the group. However, their relationship is complicated by the arrival of another woman, Priscilla, who also has feelings for Miles.As the community struggles to maintain its ideals and deal with internal conflicts, tensions rise and secrets are revealed. The novel explores themes of love, desire, utopianism, and the complexities of human relationships.Hawthorne's writing style is characterized by his use of symbolism and allegory, and The Blithedale Romance is no exception. The novel is a commentary on the failures of utopianism and the dangers of idealism, as well as a critique of gender roles and societal expectations.Overall, The Blithedale Romance is a thought-provoking and engaging novel that offers a unique perspective on 19th-century American society and the human condition.1894. Hawthorne, who, like Edgar Allan Poe, took a dark view of human nature, was a central figure in the American Renaissance. His best-known works include The Scarlet Letter and The House of the Seven Gables. Renouncing the city for a pastoral life, a group of utopians set out to reform a dissipated America. But the group is a powerful mix of competing ambitions and its idealism finds little satisfaction in farmwork. Instead, of changing the world, the members of the Blithedale community individually pursue egotistical paths that ultimately lead to tragedy. Hawthorne's tale both mourns and satirizes a rural idyll not unlike that of nineteenth-century America at large. The Blithedale Romance shadows the Brook Farm, in Roxbury, which was occupied and cultivated by a company of socialists. See other titles by this author available from Kessinger Publishing.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.