Twice-Told Tales
Nathaniel Hawthorne
📚 Genre
Short Story Collection, Dark Romanticism, Classic Literature
🏢 Publisher
Likely Platt & Munk, or M.A. Donohue & Co. (The birch bark cover design is characteristic of vintage mid-century gift editions)
📅 Publication Year
Circa 1930s-1950s (Original publication 1837/1842)
🔢 ISBN
Not visible; typical of editions from this era (pre-1970).
About This Book
A collection of short stories previously published in magazines. The stories explore historical and moral themes through a Gothic and Romantic lens, including iconic tales like 'The Minister's Black Veil.' The cover features a 'birch bark' effect with a white flower/wild carrot illustration.
Book Details
Language
English
Pages
Approximately 300-500 pages (dependent on the specific reprint production)
Edition
Reprint Edition, likely a popular hardback gift edition or promotional series
Series
Not part of a numbered series, though often released in themed sets of classics by budget publishers.
Target Audience
Adult/Young Adult; students of American Literature
Collector Information
Condition
Fair to Good. Visible corner bumping, shelf wear, and significant fraying at the head and foot of the spine. Discoloration/foxing consistent with age.
Estimated Value
$10.00 - $25.00
Rarity
Common. This specific design was produced in large quantities as a budget-friendly classic for home libraries and schools during the mid-20th century.
Historical Significance
Twice-Told Tales established Hawthorne's reputation and was praised by contemporary Edgar Allan Poe as a work of genius, defining the American short story genre.
Collector Notes
This edition is valued more for its kitschy aesthetic and vintage charm than its literary rarity. Collectors should check for brittle pages and acidic paper typical of mid-century reprints. To preserve, store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Similar Books
The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon by Washington Irving; Tales of the Grotesque and Arabesque by Edgar Allan Poe; Mosses from an Old Manse by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Notable Features
Decorative birch-bark texture cover; vintage typography; likely includes a frontispiece common for mid-century gift editions.