Image for Charles Brockden Brown

Charles Brockden Brown

Charles Brockden Brown (1771–1810) was an early American novelist and writer considered a pioneer of American literature. He is known for his dark, complex stories that explore human psychology, morality, and societal fears, often set against the backdrop of the Revolutionary War era. Brown's works, like "Wieland" and "Ormond," delve into themes of madness, identity, and the supernatural, reflecting the anxieties of early America. His writing helped establish American writers as capable of producing serious, sophisticated literature, moving beyond reliance on European models.