The Nathaniel Hawthorne Library

In which the venerated chair, once owned by the stern schoolmaster Ezekiel Cheever, passes through the hands of the distinguished yet troubled Cotton Mather, whose life and times are illuminated amid the scholarly clutter and spiritual fervour of early New England. The narrative then turns to the stirring martial and political events of the age, encompassing frontier conflicts, failed expeditions, and the hopeful accession of King George I, all witnessed from the quiet hearth of Grandfather’s storytelling.

In which we are transported to a bygone Boston schoolroom, where the venerable Master Ezekiel Cheever presides over a legion of young scholars, wielding both learning and discipline with equal severity amid the backdrop of a great fire-place and the solemn presence of an old armchair. The scene unfolds through vivid description of the scholars' tasks and temperaments, blending the rigours of Latin and Arithmetic with the lively spirit of boyhood and the ever-looming birch-rod that governs their conduct.

In which the fortunes and failings of Sir William Phips, a man risen from humble beginnings to govern Massachusetts under a royal charter, are recounted with a delicate balance of admiration and censure, while the dark shadow of the witchcraft hysteria looms over his administration, revealing the tragic consequences of superstition and injustice in a fledgling society. The narrative further touches upon the trials of plague and political strife, weaving a tapestry of human frailty and ambition against the unfolding colonial history.

In which a venerable grandfather, settled beside a cheerful wood-fire as wintry winds howl without, is earnestly entreated by eager grandchildren to resume the fascinating tales of his ancient chair. The children, captivated anew by the chair's dignified presence amid the autumnal twilight, gather closely and inspire the kindly narrator to conjure once more the spectral shapes and storied pasts that linger in its carved wood.

In which the storied chair, a silent witness to colonial adventures and governance, is tenderly held up as a symbol of enduring history and the passage of noble lives intertwined with the fate of a young province. The children's fancy is gently stirred by reflections on the chair’s prestigious occupants, and by the whisper of tales yet to be told, while a peaceful cat takes her place as the unlikely guardian of these memories.

In which the narrative recounts the transformation of a humble ship-carpenter into the distinguished Sir William Phips, whose industrious spirit and daring ventures led him from tending sheep to recovering sunken treasures from the sea. This tale, told with a respectful eye for both the grandeur and the moral complexities of newfound wealth, unfolds amidst polished chairs and golden trophies.

In which the venerable Grandfather, surrounded by youthful listeners, reflects upon the wistful contrast between the innocence of childhood and the weighty tapestry of history, as he recounts the somber days when the American colonies grappled with the despotic rule of King James and his agent Sir Edmund Andros. In this solemn narrative, the ancient Chair of State becomes a poignant emblem of governance and change, culminating in the restoration of liberty under Governor Bradstreet and the dawn of a new era for New England.

In which the devoted Apostle Eliot undertakes the monumental and selfless task of learning an uncharted Native American tongue to translate the Bible, believing deeply in the spiritual salvation and civilisation it would bring to the red men whom he considered lost kin. The narrative gently reveals his patience and kindness amid scepticism and conflict, casting a kindly light on his labour as a beacon of hope and devoted brotherhood transcending earthly rewards.

In which an aged storyteller relates the sombre tale of the Quaker persecution in early Massachusetts, portraying the steadfast courage and suffering of these peaceful souls amidst harsh intolerance. He then turns to the noble figure of John Eliot, whose gentle labour to convert and civilise the native Indians reveals a rare and tender regard for their dignity and immortal worth.

In which a venerable chair, once the seat of governors, passes into the hands of a prosperous mint-master, whose labours in coining the colony’s silver bring wealth and a curious matrimonial custom. The tale is told with a gentle humour and quaint detail, tracing the peculiar commerce and characters of early Massachusetts life.