Twenty-four of Hawthorne's best-known short stories plus many that are virtually unknown to the average reader. Introduction by Professor Newton Arvin of Smith College. The gray champion—The minister's black veil—The may-pole of Merry Mount—Wakefield—The great carbuncle—The prophetic pictures—Lady Eleanore's mantle—Old Esther Dudley—The ambitious guest—The white old maid—Peter Goldthwaite's treasure—Endicott and the red cross—The birthmark—Young Goodman Brown—Rappaccini's daughter—The celestial railroad—Feathertop : a moralized legend—Egotism, or, The bosom serpent—The artist of the beautiful—The great stone face—Ethan Brand—The wives of the dead—The antique ring—Alice Doane's appeal.