The Artist of the Beautiful Audiobook By Nathaniel Hawthorne cover art

The Artist of the Beautiful

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The Artist of the Beautiful

By: Nathaniel Hawthorne
Narrated by: Paul Woodson
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About this listen

Obsessive, reclusive, artistically inclined watchmaker Owen Worland spends his entire life trying to capture natural beauty in his scientific inventions. But he is frequently discouraged and set back by the interference of the townspeople, his former master, and the lovely Annie Hovenden. Will Owen ever fulfill his life's goal and create the ultimate perfection?

Nathaniel Hawthorne, author of The Scarlet Letter and The House of the Seven Gables, explores the themes of artistic temperament and the meshing of nature and technology in this charming little tale.

Public Domain (P)2015 Paul Woodson Anthologies & Short Stories Classics Fiction Short Stories
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Profile Image for Charles Mack

A wonderful, Short Piece, Excellently Delivered!

I was given this review copy for an unbiased review.

I enjoyed the story as a whole. Such a wonderful period piece. The intonation, cadence, and passion performed by Paul Woodson made the story more enjoyable. His ability to put you into a room like a fly on the wall, watching as the story unfolds is noticed in his smooth, yet capturing delivery. Well Done.

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Profile Image for D

An hour really well spent

Where does The Artist of the Beautiful rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is one of the better classical short stories I've listened to or read. In just an hour, Hawthorne, tells a tight and beautiful story about one mans life and obsession with beauty and life. It is bittersweet, but the main character does not view it as so.

Paul Woodson is a superb narrator. Just take a listen to the audio sample, and you'll see what I mean. I generally speed my listening up at least a bit, but did not do it for this one at all. His voice was just too spot on. Plus, I knew it was a short story and I didn't want it to end.

Which scene was your favorite?

The final scene has to be the favorite. I imagine that will the be the case for any listener - which is exactly what a good short story should do.

Any additional comments?

I admittedly really disliked The Scarlet Letter. Did not enjoy it in school, and I tried several years later to give it another chance, and disliked it even more then. I've avoided touching anything else by Hawthorne since. I'm so glad I was given this book to listen and review because now I see there may be a different side to the author that I will enjoy.

I received this book for free from audiobookblast dot com in exchange for an honest review.

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Profile Image for Deedra

The Artist of the beautiful

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The narration by Paul Woodson was wonderful.The story was,as I am finding all 'classics' to be...beyond my understanding.A watchmaker is striving to create the most beautiful thing.When he does he does not seem satisfied though those around him are.
"I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via AudiobookBlast or MalarHouse dot com"

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