New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1876-07-08

Shakespeare and Milton with the more attractive
Qualities of each But there is spiritual sympaihy
betwesn the biographer and his subject; cOnse-
ouently the Hawthorne which Mr.. LathTop's analy-
sis develops turns ont to be neither more nor less
than an ideal Mr.. Lathrop! an imaginary beng, I'M
doubleday possessing many gentle and attractive
traits, and perhaps worthy of all the admiration
which Mr.. Lathrop layshes upon it, but which Is
lust as much the real Hawthorne Mr Lathrop is
and no more.
These remarks must not be taken as derogatory to
Mr. Lathrop who, to do him justice, displays Ill TINS
book familiarity with the whole range of ancient
and modern literature and a facility in passing
judgments upon authors. which would do no little
credit TO a much older and presumably more expert
enced man. But il must needs be said that his SYM
pathetic theory has not in the present instance
turned out happily. This is not tho place, nor Is II
incumbent upon me, to criticise his study IN de-
tail and in conclusion | will merely caution the
public as to a matter which Mr.. Lathrop should have
himself taken more heedfully into consideration. l
alude of course to the circumstance OF his connec
ton with Mr.. Hawthornes family, which renders
the biographical role rather dithonlt one Tor hhi
to play 1t Is not that he might be accused OF desIr
ing TO force himself into prominence by attaching
himself to famous name. Such charge might DE
brought against any biographcr with almost as much
cess to materials and information which were ncces-
sarilv beyond the reach of any else, ought one
would suppose to have inspired him with sense oil
greater and more delicate responsibility. lie was
attempting work which member OF Mr. Haw-
tbornes own family would have ventured TO under
take even had Mr. HawthOrnes last wishes not 1or-
hidden it, He was TO speak as one having authority
to an audience the vast majority of whom knew not
much OF Hawthorne's works, aud nothing at all OF
his character His book would be quoted as the last
and most trustworthy intelligence respecting the
man OF whom il treated, and might set the Keynote
of after criticism and opinion for who can tell now
long These considerations, not to mention DINERS
less prominent ought to have been ever present III
his mind, and made him above all things cOhseieh-
tious circumspect, and true.
1t is because his book does not contain evidence
that the author adequately realized his RESPONSE
bility that i feel compelled TO warn those who
might otherwise do 50 against accepting ITS judg-
ments as correct and final. If the testimony OF one
who knew his father well, who has diligently
studied his writings and meditated upon his mind
and character, and whose opinion Is suDStahuattu
by those of his sister and OF the sister OF Ma
tbaniel Hawthorne-if such testimony carry any
weight then Mr.. Lathrops "Study" VIII not be
taken at ITS own valuation. II was composed and
published in violation of trust and IN the face OF
repeated warning and opposition: and after all II
conveys no Just or truthful representation OF It's
subject write not so much in the expectation OF
diminishing the books circulation in the present as
of Impugnng its authority in the future, after the
rrst of public curiosity shall have been Qaenched
But i'll news spreads faster and further than any
contradio zion OF it, and l know that harm VIII have
been done winch no effort Of mine wholly rem
edy. Never LclcSs, * began Win SAYING teei
my duty 10 d, nv hest: aud ! shall trust that the
more thoughtful part Of the community viii take
heed With thanks for your courtesy, | am. sir,
| Yours &c JULIAN HAWTHORNE.
London, June 90. 1875.