William Hill Brown facts for kids
William Hill Brown (born November 1765 – died September 2, 1793) was an American writer. He is famous for writing what many people consider the very first American novel. This book was called The Power of Sympathy. He also wrote other stories and essays, like "Harriot, or the Domestic Reconciliation." He also wrote a series of essays called "The Reformer" for the Massachusetts Magazine.
About William Hill Brown's Life
William Hill Brown was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in November 1765. His father, Gawen Brown, was a clockmaker from England. William was christened, which means he was officially named in a church, in December 1765.
In 1789, when he was about 24 years old, William Brown published his important novel, The Power of Sympathy. He knew a lot about books from Europe, like Clarissa by Samuel Richardson. But he wanted American stories to be set in America, not just copy British ones.
His book, The Power of Sympathy, was about a local event. Because of this, it was taken off sale. He also wrote many essays for a newspaper called the Columbian Centinel.
Around October 1792, William Brown moved to North Carolina. He went to live with his sister, Eliza Brown Hinchborne, on her family's farm. He started studying law there with William Richardson Davie. Sadly, his sister Eliza passed away in January 1793.
William Brown was not used to the climate in Eastern North Carolina. He got sick with a fever, probably malaria. He died in August 1793, when he was only 27 years old.
What William Hill Brown Wrote
William Brown believed that novels should teach people good lessons. He thought they should have a high moral purpose. Here are some of his known works:
- Harriot, or the Domestic Reconciliation (1789)
- The Power of Sympathy (1789)
- Selected Poems and Verse Fables 1784-1793 by William Hill Brown (published after he died)
- Ira and Isabella (1807)
See also
In Spanish: William Hill Brown para niños
