Nathaniel Hawthorne was a 19th century short story writer and novelist. The Scarlet Letter is his most famous novel. The years Hawthorne spent in England were some of his happiest and most trying. President Pierce appointed Hawthorne United States Consul at Liverpool. He held this post for four years. The time Hawthorne spent in public office gave him a chance to leave writing and observe the world. Stories in this collection include The Gray Champion -- The Wedding Knell -- The Minister's Black Veil -- The May-Pole of Merry Mount -- The Gentle Boy -- Mr. Higginbotham's Catastrophe -- Wakefield -- The Great Carbuncle -- David Swan -- The Hollow of the Three Hills -- Dr. Heidegger's Experiment -- Legends of the Province House -- Howe's Masquerade - Edward Randolph's Portrait - Lady Eleanore's Mantle -- Old Esther Dudley -- The Ambitious Guest -- Peter Goldthwaite's Treasure -- The Shaker Bridal -- Endicott and the Red Cross