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(1804-1864), was born at Salem, Mass. He contributed his early productions to periodicals .such as the New England Magazine, the American Magazine, the Democratic Review and the Token. In 1837 appeared his "Twice Told Tales," and in 1849 he published the "Scarlet Letter," which at once brought him into prominence. In 1853 he was appointed Consul at Liverpool by President Pierce, and served until 1857. He is the greatest romance-writer that America has produced.