"Twice-Told Tales" by Nathaniel Hawthorne (Reader's Digest World's Best Reading edition)

Nathaniel Hawthorne's "Twice-Told Tales" is a collection of short stories and sketches that explore the dark side of human nature. The stories are set in New England and are inspired by Puritanical themes and the supernatural. Hawthorne's writing is full of symbolism and psychological themes, making it a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers. With its diverse range of characters, themes, and settings, "Twice-Told Tales" is a must-read for those interested in literature and the exploration of the human psyche.Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864) was an American novelist and short story writer whose works are deeply rooted in Puritanism, a branch of Protestantism that originated in England during the 16th century. Hawthorne's stories are often based on moral and religious themes and explore the psychological complexities of guilt, sin, and pride. He is best known for his novels The Scarlet Letter (1850) and The House of the Seven Gables (1851). Hawthorne was born in Salem, Mass