Author
Charles Brockden Brown
1771-1810
Charles Brockden Brown (1771-1810) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Charles Brockden Brown
Wieland; Or, The Transformation: An American Tale
"Wieland; Or, The Transformation: An American Tale" by Charles Brockden Brown is a novel published in 1798. Often considered the first American Gothic novel, it follows Clara Wieland and her family as they experience mysterious disembodied voices that lead to devastating consequences. When a strange visitor named Carwin arrives with the ability to throw his voice, the line between supernatural phenomena and human deception blurs fatally. Religious fanaticism collides with rationality as Clara struggles to understand the horrifying events that destroy her once-peaceful family.
Memoirs of Carwin the Biloquist (A Fragment)
"Memoirs of Carwin the Biloquist (A Fragment)" by Charles Brockden Brown is an unfinished story published in monthly installments between 1803-1805. Young Carwin discovers he can perfectly mimic any voice through ventriloquism. As he develops this deceptive power, he attempts to manipulate those around him for personal gain. A mysterious gentleman named Ludloe takes him under his wing, hinting at a secret society—but demands complete honesty about Carwin's past. The story ends abruptly, leaving Carwin's fate unresolved and his connection to a suspicious death unexplained.
Edgar Huntly; or, Memoirs of a Sleep-Walker
"Edgar Huntly; or, Memoirs of a Sleep-Walker" by Charles Brockden Brown is a Gothic novel published in 1799. Set in rural Pennsylvania, it follows Edgar Huntly as he investigates his friend's murder. When he discovers a servant sleepwalking near the crime scene, Huntly begins a dangerous pursuit through the wilderness. But Huntly harbors his own dark secret—he too is a sleepwalker. His nocturnal wanderings lead him to awaken in a pitch-black cave, triggering a harrowing struggle for survival involving hostile encounters and shocking revelations.
Arthur Mervyn; Or, Memoirs of the Year 1793
"Arthur Mervyn; Or, Memoirs of the Year 1793" by Charles Brockden Brown is a novel published in 1799. This influential work of American Gothic literature follows a young man who arrives in Philadelphia penniless and becomes entangled with a thief and forger. Set against the backdrop of the city's devastating yellow fever epidemic, the story unfolds as Arthur recounts his past to clear his name. The novel blurs the line between hero and villain, exploring moral ambiguity and psychological complexity in early America.
Jane Talbot
"Jane Talbot" by Charles Brockden Brown is a novel written in the early 19th century. The narrative unfolds through a series of letters, primarily from the titular character, Jane Talbot, to her friend Henry Colden. The letters encompass her reflections on love, familial relations, and the turmoil of her emotions as she confronts the weaknesses of herself and those around her. At the start of the novel, Jane expresses her internal struggle regarding her intense feelings for Henry and her conflicting beliefs about love and affection. She grapples with the idea that her devotion may lead to folly and guilt. The letters also hint at deeper family tensions, particularly with her brother, Frank, whose extravagance and irresponsible behaviors deeply concern her. Through her letters, Jane reveals her past traumas, including the loss of her mother and her complex relationship with her father, setting the stage for further complications in her life as she seeks to navigate her emotional landscape and familial obligations.
Ormond; Or, The Secret Witness. Volume 3 (of 3)
"Ormond; Or, The Secret Witness. Volume 3 (of 3)" by Charles Brockden Brown is a novel written in the early 19th century. This installment follows the intricate and emotional journey of the protagonist, Martinette, as she navigates love, loss, and societal constraints during tumultuous times. The themes of personal sacrifice and the quest for freedom are central to the narrative, with Martinette's story intersecting with the challenges faced by those close to her. The opening of the novel introduces Martinette's early life, marked by the tragic loss of her family due to plague and her subsequent adoption by a merchant. As she matures, Martinette expresses a passionate longing for adventure and intellectual engagement, which sparks tensions with her austere guardians. The narrative delves into her growing discontent with her situation and the societal expectations placed upon her as a woman, culminating in her desire to embrace love and independence against the backdrop of societal upheaval. The complexities of her relationships, particularly with the priest Bartoli and her friend Lady D'Arcy, lay the foundation for the unfolding drama, illustrating the intricate interplay between personal desires and external challenges that defines Martinette's journey.
Ormond; Or, The Secret Witness. Volume 2 (of 3)
"Ormond; Or, The Secret Witness. Volume 2" by Charles Brockden Brown is a novel written in the early 19th century. The story is complex and revolves around themes of deception, intrigue, and the struggles of its main characters, particularly Constantia Dudley, as she navigates through distress surrounding her family and relationships. The interactions between Constantia and the enigmatic figure of Ormond raise questions of morality and trust as they become entwined in the web of secrets surrounding their lives. The opening of the novel introduces Constantia Dudley, who is dealing with the fallout from her family's misfortunes, particularly the repercussions brought by the deceitful Craig. After a visit to Ormond's house, Constantia finds herself drawn into a deeper predicament as Craig cunningly disguises his wrongdoings and attempts to manipulate various characters for personal gain. As the narrative unfolds, the complexities of Constantia's situation become clear, revealing her determination to protect her father's integrity and restore their finances. A visit to Mr. Melbourne presents a turning point for her, indicating hope amid chaos while simultaneously linking back to the darker machinations of Craig. The interactions set in motion themes of entrapment, social standing, and the pursuit of virtue against adversity.
Ormond; Or, The Secret Witness. Volume 1 (of 3)
"Ormond; Or, The Secret Witness. Volume 1" by Charles Brockden Brown is a novel written in the early 19th century. The book explores themes of personal tragedy, moral dilemmas, and social critique through its primary character, Stephen Dudley, who faces a series of misfortunes that leads him from a life of promise to one of despair. As the narrative unfolds, it delves into the struggles that Dudley and his family endure amid their social and economic challenges, ultimately highlighting the intersection of individual fate and broader societal influences. At the start of the novel, we meet Stephen Dudley, a former painter turned apothecary who is reluctant to adjust to his new role after his father's death. He grapples with feelings of discontent and financial insecurity, driven primarily by the burden of his father's estate and the need to support his family. As he navigates these hardships, an unexpected encounter with a young man named Craig leads to a partnership that initially appears beneficial but later reveals troubling deceit. The opening chapters establish a landscape rife with tension as Dudley’s struggles comprise not just economic survival but also moral questions, setting the stage for a complex exploration of identity and resilience amid adversity.