Description
From the Book Back
“The daydreams which edge toward nightmare; toward our desire to be pursued, cast out, demolished, damned” is how R. P. Blackmur describes the “mode” of the eighteen stories in this Signet Classic collection. By means of weird, yet inescapably convincing, fables Hawthorne explores the corroding desires of superior men and women. Thwarted in their pursuit of perfection, endeavoring to escape the reality of their existence, they fall prey to a sudden lust for the Ideal and are unwittingly compelled to commit evils in the name of pride. Of the author’s insights into the Puritan’s simultaneous need for fulfillment and self-destruction D. H. Lawrence wrote, “That blue-eyed darling Nathaniel knew disagreeable things in his inner soul. He was careful to send them out in disguise.” Hawthorne’s contemporary, Edgar Allan Poe, said of his writing that “Every word tells, and there is not a word which does not tell.”
Publishing Info
The Celestial Railroad and Other Stories by Nathaniel Hawthorne with afterword by R. P. Blackmur. A Signet Classic from New American Library. This says both First Printing, February 1963 and Fifth Printing. This paperback book measures about 7″ x 4-1/8″ and has 301 numbered pages.
Condition
See photo above. In good condition with a few creases and paper crack on the front cover as shown. The spine has dent but no creases or binding cracks. The pages are toning from age but are in very good condition. Name and date inside front cover and a few markings in ink. From clean, smoke-free home.
Shipping
Generally sent the same day payment arrives. Unless you request otherwise, I will wrap the book in plastic wrap to help protect it from the elements, create a box or tightly sandwich it between pieces of cardboard, then wrap in brown paper to send via Media Mail with Delivery Confirmation tracking. See the shipping page for the cost to send a one-pound Media Mail package. Insurance is an additional cost as described. I am delighted to combine postage and insurance costs if you purchase more than one item. The second item may travel for free or just a few cents more — so it’s worth taking a look at my other items before you complete your order.
Not sure?
If you’d like more information about or photos of The Celestial Railroad and Other Stories , please feel free to contact me. If it’s the price you don’t like, make an offer!
Check out my other short stories. The more you buy, the cheaper postage is per item!
