Philip McFarland Boeken

Presents a narrative history of the United States from 1890 to 1910, exploring such major themes as nationalism, racism, industrialization, and imperialism as reflected in the actions and writings of the era's two most famous figures.

The book explores Nathaniel Hawthorne's life in Concord, Massachusetts, highlighting key periods of his personal and professional journey. It begins with his idyllic early years with his wife, Sophia, enriched by friendships with literary figures like Thoreau and Emerson. After facing financial struggles, he returns to Salem before achieving fame with works such as "The Scarlet Letter." Hawthorne's later years see him grappling with health issues while living in a town filled with abolitionist fervor, ultimately shaping a nuanced portrait of this influential author.

The narrative delves into the lives of the Beecher family in Cincinnati, highlighting the deep connections between McFarland and her father, husband, and brother, Henry Ward Beecher, a prominent preacher embroiled in a sensational adultery trial. Through personal anecdotes and historical context, the book offers an intimate portrait of family dynamics and the societal challenges they faced during a transformative period in American history.

In John Hay, Friend of Giants, Philip McFarland presents both the intimate story of Hay's relationship with four prominent figures of his age and an insightful history of the United States from the 1850s to the turn of the century. Hay's life and extraordinary friendships provide a window into the politics, literature, society, and diplomacy of thi