That his choice of material was neither chance nor blind instinct, but deliberate judgment and insight, is shown by the preface to ’Edgar Huntly,’ in which he sets forth his views:—­

“America has opened new views to the naturalist and politician, but has seldom furnished themes to the moral-pointer.  That new springs of action and new motives of curiosity should operate, that the field of investigation opened to us by our own country should differ essentially from those which exist in Europe, may be readily conceived.  The sources of amusement to the fancy and instruction to the heart that are peculiar to ourselves are equally numerous and inexhaustible.  It is the purpose of this work to profit by some of these sources, to exhibit a series of adventures growing out of the conditions of our country, and connected with one of the most common and wonderful diseases of the human frame.  Puerile superstition and exploded manners, Gothic castles and chimeras, are the materials usually employed for this end.  The incidents of Indian hostility and the perils of the Western wilderness are far more suitable, and for a native of America to overlook these would admit of no apology.  These therefore are in part the ingredients of this tale.”

Brown’s was an uneventful career.  He was much given to solitary rambles and musings, varied by social intercourse with a few congenial friends and the companionship of his affectionate family, and later, many hours spent at his writing-desk or in an editorial chair.

He was born January 17th, 1771, in Philadelphia, of good Quaker stock.  A delicate boyhood, keeping him away from the more active life of youths of his own age, fostered, a love for solitude and a taste for reading.  He received a good classical education; but poor health prevented him from pursuing his studies at college.  At his family’s wish he entered a law office instead; but the literary instinct was strong within him.  Literature at this time was scarcely considered a profession.  Magazine circulations were too limited for publishers to pay for contributions, and all an author usually got or expected to get was some copies to distribute among his friends.  To please his prudent home circle, Brown dallied for a while with the law; but a visit to New York, where he was cordially received by the members of the “Friendly Club,” opened up avenues of literary work to him, and he removed to New York in 1796 to devote himself to it.

The first important work he produced was ’Wieland:  or the Transformation’ (1798).  It shows at the outset Brown’s characteristic traits—­independence of British materials and methods.  It is in substance a powerful tale of ventriloquism operating on an unbalanced and superstitious mind.  Its psychology is acute and searching; the characterization realistic and effective.  His second book, ’Ormond:  or the Secret Witness’ (1799), does not reach the level of ‘Wieland.’  It is more