The Marble Faun
The Marble Faun: Or, The Romance of Monte Beni is a Gothic novel written by Nathaniel Hawthorne and originally published in 1860.
The story is set in a fantastical Italy, shortly before the outbreak of the American Civil War, and follows a group of young American bohemians and artists living in Europe where they fight, fall in love and have a series of adventures.
The group meet a count, Donatello, in the city of Rome, who falls in love with the beautiful Miriam. However, she has had a tortuous relationship in the past and he follows her wherever she goes.
One night Donatello surprises Miriam's stalker and throws him off a cliff... and Hilda, Miriam's friend, witnesses the incident...
With a gothic atmosphere, full of mystery and even supernatural events, this is a beautiful, romantic and somewhat bizarre story.
"Four individuals, in whose fortunes we should be glad to interest the reader, happened to be standing in one of the saloons of the sculpture-gallery in the Capitol at Rome."
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Public domain (US)·No sign-up·DRM-free·Real text, not scans
Copyright note. The Marble Faun by Nathaniel Hawthorne is believed to be in the public domain in the United States only. It may still be copyrighted in other countries. If you are not in the United States, please check your local laws to ensure this eBook is in the public domain in your country before downloading The Marble Faun in PDF or EPUB.
- Pages
- 393
- Reading time
- 11 hours 43 minutes
- Pace
- Slow
- First published
- 1860
- Language
- English
- Downloads
- 3,862
166 years later, still timely
Why Read The Marble Faun in 2026?
Artists in Rome face innocence, guilt, and the stories beauty tempts us to tell. Hawthorne lets statues and streets press on conscience until the air feels carved. It’s gothic in sunlight.
Today's connection
Tourism races; attention thins. This novel argues for seeing over collecting and for responsibility in how we look.
Looking ethically
Beauty with accountability.
Rome as chorus
Streets shape choices.
Guilt and grace
Consequences without melodrama.
These collections include The Marble Faun
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About the author
Nathaniel Hawthorne
Moral allegory and New England shadow that test secrecy, shame, and mercy.
