Charles Brockden Brown

Biography

Charles Brockden Brown stands as a pioneering figure in American letters, recognized as one of the first professional novelists in the United States. Born in 1771 in Philadelphia, Brown crafted works of psychological depth and gothic atmosphere that explored themes of identity, morality, and the human condition during the early republic.

Brown's literary legacy, though his life was cut short at age thirty-nine, profoundly influenced the development of American fiction. His novels, including Wieland and Arthur Mervyn, demonstrated a sophisticated narrative technique and intellectual rigor that elevated the American novel during its formative years. He remains celebrated for his contributions to literature and his role in establishing an indigenous American literary tradition.