Nathaniel Hawthorne

Nathaniel Hawthorne, born in Salem, Massachusetts, on July 4, 1804, hailed from a family with roots in the region's Puritan history, notably associated with the Salem witch trials. Orphaned early in life, Hawthorne attended Bowdoin College with financial aid from relatives, where he published his first novel anonymously and later destroyed unsold copies out of dissatisfaction. He turned to short story writing, achieving recognition with "Twice-Told Tales" (1837) before taking positions at the Boston Custom House and briefly participating in the Brook Farm community. In 1842, he married Sophia Peabody, enjoying a supportive marriage that produced three children. Despite a stint in public office and a subsequent dismissal, Hawthorne's career flourished with the publication of his renowned novel "The Scarlet Letter" in 1850, solidifying his literary legacy.

Following Hawthorne's success, the family moved several times within the United States and briefly resided in Europe during his tenure as U.S. consul in Liverpool. Despite declining health, Hawthorne continued to write until his unexpected death in 1864 while visiting the White Mountains in New Hampshire. His works, known for exploring themes of guilt, sin, and the complexities of human nature against historical backdrops, secured his place as a significant figure in American literature.