Nathaniel Hawthorne’s American Horror Story
The author wrote a tale that challenged the nation’s founding myths. Then it disappeared.
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BooksNathaniel Hawthorne’s American Horror StoryThe author wrote a tale that challenged the nation’s founding myths. Then it disappeared.By John SwansburgIllustrations by Laurie AvonJune 15, 2026, 8 AM ET ShareSave In January 1836, Nathaniel Hawthorne moved from Salem to Boston to assume the editorship of The American Magazine of Useful and Entertaining Knowledge. It wasn’t a typical editorial arrangement. Hawthorne would not manage a staff of writers, or make assignments to a network of correspondents. The lean budget required him to rely entirely on a single contributor: himself.Explore the July 2026 IssueCheck out more from this issue and find your next story to read.View MoreThe issues that Hawthorne produced are, in fact, full of useful and entertaining knowledge.
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