This book explores the deeply emotional yet enigmatic relationship between two nineteenthcentury American writers, showing how Margaret Fullers radical ideas about womens rights, equality of the sexes, and the nature of marriage influenced Nathaniel Hawthornes writing.Drawing on recently published letters and journals, Thomas R. Mitchell describes how Julian Hawthornes misrepresentation of his fathers relationship with Fuller destroyed her literary reputation, promoted Hawthorne as a defender of conservative values, and continues to obscure the depth of Hawthornes personal and intellectual involvement with her. Mitchell concludes that far from being repulsed by Fuller and her assertivenessas many scholars have claimedHawthorne experienced with her perhaps the most intimate relationship that he ever had with a woman, his wife alone excepted.Blending biography, cultural history, and literary and psychological analysis, Hawthornes Fuller Mystery raises provocative questions about the origins and intent of Hawthornes greatest works and offers compelling new readings of Rapaccinis Daughter, The Scarlet Letter, The Blithedale Romance, and The Marble Faun.