entered the regions of mystic
supernaturalism and the disordered human brain in advance of
Hawthorne and Poe.

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 l