
Wieland, or The Transformation
An American Tale
Charles Brockden Brown(Author)
Wildside Press
Published on 16. August 2024
Book
Paperback/Softback
402 pages
978-1-4344-3350-3 (ISBN)
Description
Wieland, or The Transformation by Charles Brockden Brown is a Gothic novel first published in 1798. It is considered one of the earliest American novels and a pioneering work in the genre of American Gothic literature. The story is set in rural Pennsylvania in the late 18th century and revolves around the Wieland family, whose lives are disrupted by a series of mysterious and terrifying events. The central character, Theodore Wieland, is a devout and rational man who becomes increasingly plagued by inexplicable voices and visions, leading him to commit horrific acts of violence.
Brown's novel explores themes of religious fanaticism, the power of suggestion, and the fragility of reason. It is a chilling tale that delves into the darkest corners of the human psyche, leaving readers questioning the boundaries between sanity and madness, reality and delusion.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Holicog
United States
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 24 mm
Weight
565 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4344-3350-3 (9781434433503)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Charles Brockden Brown (1771-1810) was a pioneering American novelist, editor, and essayist, often credited as the first professional American novelist. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Brown's literary career flourished during the early years of the United States, a time marked by political upheaval and intellectual ferment. Brown is best known for his contributions to American Gothic literature, a genre he helped establish with his novels that explored themes of terror, mystery, and psychological suspense. His works often delved into the darker aspects of human nature and society, reflecting the anxieties and uncertainties of his time. One of Brown's most famous novels is "Wieland; or, The Transformation" (1798), which tells the story of a family plagued by religious fanaticism and psychological terror. This novel is considered one of the earliest examples of American Gothic fiction and remains a key work in the genre. Brown's other notable works include "Arthur Mervyn; or, Memoirs of the Year 1793" (1799-1800), which portrays the social and moral challenges faced by its protagonist in post-Revolutionary War America, and "Ormond; or, The Secret Witness" (1799), a complex narrative of intrigue and psychological depth set in Philadelphia. Although Brown's literary career was relatively short-he died at the age of 39-his influence on American literature was profound. He is recognized for his innovative approach to storytelling, his exploration of Gothic themes within an American context, and his contributions to the development of the psychological novel. Charles Brockden Brown's legacy as a pioneering American novelist continues to be studied and celebrated for its literary merit and its exploration of timeless themes that resonate with readers to this day.