This point could have been easily arranged.
But under whatever titular blunders we receive this book, it is most
cordially welcome. We have seen no prose composition by any American
which can compare with some of these articles in the higher merits, or
indeed in the lower; while there is not single piece which would do
dishonor to the best of the British essayists.
"The Rill from the Town Pump" which, through the ad captandum nature
of its title, has attracted more of the public notice than any other
of Mr. Hawthorne's compositions, is perhaps, the least meritorious.
Among his best we may briefly mention "The Hollow of the Three
Hills" "The Minister's Black Veil"; "Wakefield"; "Mr. Higginbotham's
Catastrophe"; "Fancy's Show-Box"; "Dr. Heidegger's Experiment"; "David
Swan"; "The Wedding Knell"; and "The White Old Maid." It is remarkable
that all of these, with one exception, are from the first volume.
The style of Mr. Hawthorne is purity itself. His tone is
singularly effective- wild, plaintive, thoughtful, and in full
accordance with his themes. We have only to object that there is
insufficient diversity in these themes themselves, or rather in
their character. His originality both of incident and reflection is
very remarkable; and this trait alone would insure him at least our
warmest regard and commendation.
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