Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804–1864) was an American novelist and short story writer. His writing centers on New England, many works featuring moral allegories with a Puritan inspiration. His fiction works are considered to be part of Dark romanticism. His themes often centre on the inherent evil and sin of humanity, and his works often have moral messages and deep psychological complexity. Excerpt: "My dearest Sophie, I had a parting glimpse of you, Monday forenoon, at your window—and that image abides by me, looking pale, and not so quiet as is your wont. I have reproached myself many times since, because I did not show my face, and then we should both have smiled; and so our reminiscences would have been sunny instead of shadowy. But I believe I was so intent on seeing you, that I forgot all about the desirableness of being myself seen" Content: Letters: Browne's Folly (a letter for the Essex Institute) Love Letters (To Miss Sophia Peabody) - Volume I&II Letter to the Editor of the Literary Review Memoirs: American Notebooks (Volume I & II) English Notebooks (Volume I & II) French and Italian Notebooks (Volume I & II) Biographies and Reminiscences of Hawthorne: The Life and Genius of Hawthorne by Frank Preston Stearns Hawthorne and His Circle by Julian Hawthorne Memories of Hawthorne by Rose Hawthorne Lathrop Hawthorne and His Moses by Herman Melville 'Fifty Years of Hawthorne': Four Americans by Henry A. Beers George Eliot, Hawthorne, Goethe, Heine: My Literary Passions by William Dean Howell Life of Great Authors by Hattie Tyng Griswold Yesterday With Authors by James T. Field Hawthorne and Brook Farm by George William Curtis Biographical sketch by George Parsons Lathrop

Herman Melville (1819–1891), a towering figure in American literature, is best known for his masterpiece 'Moby-Dick,' a complex novel that reflects his deep engagement with philosophical, social, and existential questions. Born in New York City, Melville's early experiences at sea, including voyages to the South Pacific, profoundly shaped his worldview and literary imagination. Melville's career as a writer spans several genres, from sea adventures like 'Typee' (1846) and 'Omoo' (1847), to allegorical novels such as 'Billy Budd, Sailor,' published posthumously in 1924. His narrative style is notable for its rich symbolism, intricate character development, and exploration of the human condition. Although 'Life and Legacy of Nathaniel Hawthorne' is not among Melville's recognized works, his relationship with Hawthorne was significant; the two authors were contemporaries and corresponded, with Hawthorne's work influencing Melville during the writing of 'Moby-Dick.' Melville's later works, such as 'Bartleby, the Scrivener' (1853) and 'The Confidence-Man' (1857), exhibit a more somber and reflective tone, mirroring his declining popularity during his lifetime. Today, however, Melville is celebrated for his contribution to American letters and his innovative literary techniques. Scholars often emphasize his rich intertextuality, use of ambiguity, and societal critique, which have cemented his legacy as a pivotal figure in the canon of American literature.