Wieland (1798) is a novel by American author Charles Brockden Brown. Considered the first American Gothic novel, this a story of psychological horror and occult mystery based on the real-life James Yates Murders. The novel follows the Wieland family, whose father immigrated to the American colonies prior to the Revolutionary War in order to found a fanatical religious sect. Following his mysterious death, his children attempt to build normal, prosperous lives—Theodore marries his sister’s childhood friend Catharine Pleyel, and together they have four children, while Clara begins to imagine a life with Henry, Catharine’s brother. After several years, however, they begin to hear voices compelling them to do bizarre and terrible things. Amidst this inexplicable terror, a man named Carwin—who has the gift of multiple voices—appears, changing their lives forever. Wieland by Charles Brockden Brown is a masterpiece of horror and Gothic fiction with emotional depth and psychological intensity, and remains a landmark work of American literature. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Charles Brockden Brown’s Wieland is a classic of American literature reimagined for modern readers.
