Charles Brockden Brown

Charles Brockden Brown (1771–1810) was an American novelist, historian, and editor, often regarded as one of the earliest American novelists. He is known for his contributions to American Gothic literature and for setting a precedent for writing professional literature in the United States. His notable works include 'Wieland', 'Ormond', and 'Arthur Mervyn'. Brown's themes often explore the darker aspects of the human psyche, societal issues, and the challenges of the new American nation.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Wieland

    This novel unfolds in the pre-Revolutionary American countryside, centering around the Wieland family, who become embroiled in a harrowing tale of religious fanaticism, mysterious voices, and a series of inexplicable events that lead to tragedy and horror. The story is narrated by Clara Wieland, who witnesses the devastating impact of these supernatural occurrences on her brother, Theodore Wieland, whose descent into madness culminates in a shocking act of violence. The novel explores themes of faith, reason, and the dark recesses of the human mind, making it a pioneering work in the American Gothic genre and a profound inquiry into the nature of belief and the psychological depths of terror.

    The 2890th Greatest Book of All Time