The Marble Faun

About the book

"The Marble Faun; Or, The Romance of Monte Beni - Volume 1" by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a romance published in 1860. Set in a fantastical Italy, the story follows four characters: the mysterious painter Miriam, innocent copyist Hilda, rationalist sculptor Kenyon, and Donatello, a count who strangely resembles an ancient marble faun. As Miriam is pursued by a threatening figure from her past and Donatello's possible connection to mythical ancestry emerges, the narrative weaves together elements of fable, gothic mystery, and pastoral romance against an Italian backdrop.