Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
One of Hawthorne's major novels (completing a triumvirate for Paperback Classics), "The Blithedale Romance" explores the limitations of human nature set against an experiment in communal living. From mesmerism to illicit love, Blithedale represents one of Hawthorne's best and most sharply-etched works - one that Henry James called his "brightest" and "liveliest" novel.
About the Author
John Updike's most recent books include the novel Gertrude and Claudius and a collection of critical essays, More Matter. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the National Book Award, the O. Henry Prize, the American Book Award, the National Book Critics Circle Award, and two Pulitzer prizes. He lives in Massachusetts.