During the 1850s and '60s, by far the most prominent author in all of New York State was the writer, editor, and publisher Nathaniel Parker Willis (1806–1867). Nearly as prominent as Willis himself was his Hudson Valley estate, Idlewild, where literary elites gathered and about which Willis himself wrote and published extensively. In 1846, Willis founded the Home Journal, which would go on to become Town and Country. In Out-Doors at Idlewild, first published in 1855, Willis chronicled the creation of his estate at Cornwall-on-Hudson (near West Point), as well as life amid its countryside. The land afforded brilliant views of the river and the mountains to the East. Calvert Vaux, the famed architect of both landscapes and houses, designed the elaborate and ornate Gothic Revival home, which Willis named Idlewood (whereas he called the estate Idlewild), and into which the Willis family moved in July of 1853. Here, Willis wrote a series of papers for the Home Journal documenting life at the seventy-acre estate. These papers were gathered together in Out-Doors at Idlewild, a celebration of Willis's home and estate.

Nathaniel Hawthorne's 'The Complete Works of Nathaniel Hawthorne (Illustrated Edition)' is a monumental collection that showcases the full extent of Hawthorne's literary genius. Known for his exploration of themes such as guilt, sin, and moral ambiguity, Hawthorne's works are characterized by their rich symbolism and allegorical depth. This comprehensive edition includes his famous novels such as 'The Scarlet Letter' and 'The House of the Seven Gables', as well as his renowned short stories like 'Young Goodman Brown' and 'The Minister's Black Veil'. The inclusion of illustrations enhances the reader's experience and provides a visual dimension to Hawthorne's intricate narratives. As a key figure in the American Romantic movement, Hawthorne's works continue to resonate with readers today for their psychological depth and profound exploration of human nature. Nathaniel Hawthorne's own life and experiences greatly influenced his writing, as he drew inspiration from his Puritan ancestry and New England upbringing. His keen observations of society and human behavior informed his nuanced portrayals of characters grappling with moral dilemmas and societal expectations. Hawthorne's unique blend of realism and allegory sets him apart as a master storyteller whose works offer timeless insights into the human condition. For readers seeking to delve into the depths of American literature and explore the complexities of human experience, 'The Complete Works of Nathaniel Hawthorne (Illustrated Edition)' is a must-read. This collection not only showcases Hawthorne's literary craftsmanship but also invites readers to reflect on timeless themes of guilt, redemption, and the complexities of human nature. With its engaging narratives and thought-provoking symbolism, Hawthorne's works continue to captivate and challenge readers of all backgrounds.