Browse Stories

A young carver in wood, Drowne, is commissioned by Captain Hunnewell to create a figure-head for his vessel, the Cynosure, with a secret purpose.

A man of fancy hosts a party at his castle in the air, inviting distinguished guests to a night of entertainment.

I stepped into a new museum, to which my notice was casually drawn by a small and unobtrusive sign: 'TO BE SEEN HERE, A VIRTUOSO'S COLLECTION.'

The story describes the arrival of spring, which brings warmth and life to the narrator's old mansion, and how it affects his thoughts and mood.

The story begins with a description of a massive bonfire on a prairie, where people have gathered to burn old, worn-out trumpery, and the narrator's curiosity to witness the spectacle.

The narrator was raised by a stern and severe village parson, Parson Thumpcushion, who struggled to connect with him and provide a suitable education.

The story revolves around M. de l'Aubepine's writings, which are described as fantastical and lacking in human warmth, but occasionally showing glimpses of nature, pathos, and humor.

The story revolves around a mysterious figure who glides past the narrator, Roderick, in his life, leaving him puzzled and intrigued.

A man finds himself in a fantastical hall where people from the world of dreams gather to discuss their affairs.

A mysterious figure sits at a desk in a metropolitan office, surrounded by advertisements and show-bills, as people from all walks of life come and go, seeking various services and information.

The story follows the first day's experience of a new Adam and a new Eve, created in the full development of mind and heart, as they distinguish between art and nature in a desolate post-apocalyptic world.

The story revolves around an old apple-dealer who has become a familiar figure in the narrator's imagination, despite his unassuming and impoverished appearance.

The Old Manse, a former parsonage, stands vacant after the funeral of its last clergyman inhabitant, its quiet windows and secluded atmosphere inviting contemplation and reflection.

The story describes life as a procession, where people are classified based on external circumstances, rather than their true nature and relationships.

The story revolves around the life of a woodcarver named Drowne, who creates a mysterious wooden figure of a lady, possibly inspired by a real-life Portuguese lady who sought refuge with Captain Hunnewell.

The story describes a man who grows increasingly distant and stern towards his wife and family, ultimately dying in a state of gloom.

In Padua, a young student named Giovanni becomes infatuated with Beatrice, the beautiful daughter of Dr. Rappaccini. But Beatrice tends a garden of poisonous plants cultivated by her father’s twisted science—and she herself has been raised on poison. In this dark tale of love and science, Giovanni discovers that to be with Beatrice, he too must risk becoming a monster.

Reverend Hooper shocks his New England congregation by donning a mysterious black veil over his face. As he stubbornly refuses to remove it throughout his life—even unto his deathbed—the veil’s dark symbolism instills fear and provokes profound reflections on secret sin and isolation.

On a remote mountainside in the White Hills, a hospitable family welcomes a young traveler full of grand ambitions. As they dream by the fireside of fame and legacy, a sudden landslide thunders down the notch—reminding them how quickly earthly aspirations can turn to tragedy.

Dr. Heidegger, a singular man, invites four venerable friends to his study for a mysterious experiment.

Mother Rigby, a cunning and potent witch, decides to create a lifelike scarecrow to protect her corn-patch, rather than a frightening hobgoblin.

The story follows the narrator's acquaintance with a carver of tombstones who has traveled to Martha's Vineyard in search of work, and his observations of the various monuments in the local burial ground.

The story revolves around the life of Nurse Toothaker, a widow who has spent her life caring for the sick and dying, and the attempt to recreate her youth and beauty.

The story takes place in a Puritan settlement in New England, where the English colors are displayed by the standard-bearer of the Salem trainband, led by John Endicott.