Hawthorne and His Mosses
Hawthorne and His Mosses
Book Brief
Beta18
Novel • Fiction
Massachusetts • 1850s
2013
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In "Hawthorne and His Mosses," Herman Melville praises Nathaniel Hawthorne’s literary talent, highlighting his unique style and depth. Melville admires Hawthorne’s ability to explore human nature’s complexities and suggests American writers can rival European counterparts. Melville’s essay underscores Hawthorne’s influence on American literature, emphasizing themes within Mosses from an Old Manse.
Contemplative
Mysterious
Inspirational
Informative
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
38 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Hawthorne and His Mosses by Herman Melville is praised for its profound insight into Nathaniel Hawthorne's work, highlighting Melville's admiration and intellectual engagement. Critics note the essay's rich and lyrical prose. However, some argue that Melville's fervent tone may overshadow analytical clarity. Overall, it remains a significant literary critique.
Who Should Read Hawthorne and His Mosses?
A reader drawn to Hawthorne and His Mosses by Herman Melville typically appreciates 19th-century literature, philosophical essays, and literary criticism. Fans of Nathaniel Hawthorne's work or those who enjoy nuanced analyses similar to Virginia Woolf's A Room of One's Own would likely find this piece engaging.
38 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Hawthorne and His Mosses was published anonymously by Herman Melville in two parts in the Literary World magazine over the course of two weeks in 1850.
The essay was Melville's review of Nathaniel Hawthorne's short story collection, Mosses from an Old Manse, and it significantly helped to elevate Hawthorne's reputation as one of America's great novelists.
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Melville uses the essay not only to praise Hawthorne's work but also to critique American literary culture and advocate for a national literature free from European influence.
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18
Novel • Fiction
Massachusetts • 1850s
2013
Adult
18+ years
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