Italy - enchanted land of whitest marble: Rome - native soil of ruin.
Amidst the inspiring landscape of Rome, three young Americans abroad discover the artistic and moral freedom offered by that historic city. Together with the childlike Donatello they flourish in the company of cultured Europeans. They are free to live, and free to love.
While Kenyon quietly pursues the virginal Hilda, Donatello declares passionate, obsessive love for Miriam. But she is an unknown quantity, haunted by her former life; pursued by a sinister spectre and a sense of doom. Propelled by his wild and unsophisticated heart, Donatello provokes their mutual sin. Now, miserably entangled, their friendship - and love- must struggle to survive.
Hawthorne's innovative foray into the influence of European thought on American culture is a timeless study of the loss of innocence and a precursor to the works of Henry James.
This is the most comprehensive edition available, with introduction, notes, selected criticism, text summary and chronology of Hawthorne's life and times.
