In this volume, Hawthorne adapted Greek myths into tales that are both instructive and entertaining for children. A prime example of his use of “imaginative authority” exists within moments when Hawthorne censors the actions of the mythical characters so that they may provide a good example for his young readers. For instance, in the story “The Minotaur,” Hawthorne has Ariadne, the daughter of King Minos, stay with her “old” and “iron-hearted” father “to love him,” rather than run away with Theseus as she does in the myth.

Boston Public Library, Rare Books & Manuscripts