His defining work ‘The Scarlet Letter’ was published in 1850, followed by a succession of other novels. The majority of his works centre on New England and have a Puritan inspiration and outlook with their inherent evil and sin of humanity. A political appointment took Hawthorne and family to Europe before their return in 1860. Hawthorne died on May 19, 1864, leaving behind his wife and their three children. This volume centres on his short stories which are beautifully crafted pieces layered with characters ill at ease with their path through life.