THIS biography will not be found to err on the side of reticence. The compiler has given everything that the most liberal construction of his obligation could demand. My own share in the matter has been chiefly confined to effecting a running connection between the component parts. I have not cared to comment or to apologize, nor have I been concerned to announce or confirm any theory. I will only remark that if true love and married happiness should ever be in need of vindication, ample material for that purpose may be found in these volumes.
Originality remains a mystery for generations.
I have received assistance, in the shape of letters and other material, from various friends, to whom I gratefully acknowledge my indebtedness. Mr. Richard Manning, of Salem, in addition to other courtesies, has allowed the portrait of Hawthorne, in his possession, to be etched by Mr. Schoff. And in this connection I cannot refrain from saying that Mr. Schoff's success in all the six likenesses which illustrate these volumes has been quite exceptional. For the online edition we add this note. As copytext we use the 1884 edition published by James R. Osgood and Company, as reprinted in a photoreproduction by Archon Press, 1968.