Septimius Felton, or, the Elixir of Life: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
Septimius Felton, or, the Elixir of Life: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.
Septimius Felton, or, the Elixir of Life is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Hawthorne, Nathaniel (1804–1864).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"Septimius Felton, or, the Elixir of Life" by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a novel written in the late 19th century. This story explores profound themes such as the quest for immortality and the struggles inherent in human existence, centered around the character of Septimius Felton, a young man drawn into philosophical musings about life and death against the backdrop of rising tensions in colonial America. The opening of the novel introduces us to a serene spring day, where three young friends—Septimius Felton, Robert Hagburn, and Rose Garfield—converse on a hillside near Concord. Their discussion broaches the topic of life’s fleeting nature and the possibility of a forthcoming conflict, hinting at Septimius's brooding, philosophical nature, which contrasts sharply with the more vibrant personalities of Robert and Rose. The narrative quickly shifts from idyllic moments to the dramatic early stages of war, culminating in a tense encounter where Septimius tragically takes the life of a charming British officer. This act sets in motion Septimius's internal turmoil and contemplation of life's meaning, paving the way for the book's exploration of morality, identity, and the profound consequences of our actions.
Book and edition facts
- Title: Septimius Felton, or, the Elixir of Life
- Author credits: Hawthorne, Nathaniel (1804–1864)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- United States -- Social life and customs -- Fiction
Gutenberg collections
- Category: American Literature
- Category: Novels
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View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.
Source notes
Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.
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