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Charles Brockden Brown papers

 Collection
Identifier: M021

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  • Please use the Collection Organization section below to place requests.

Scope and Content

The collection consists largely of Brown's correspondence, much of it with his friends Joseph Bringhurst, Jr., (1767-1834) and Deborah Ferris (1773-1844), later Mrs. Bringhurst, or between Ferris and Bringhurst. Many of the letters are included in Charles E. Bennett's "The Letters of Charles Brockden Brown: An Annotated Census," published in the Resources for American Literary Study, Autumn 1976. However, a number of the letters originally included in the Bennett Census as authored by Charles B. Brown under the alias "Petrarch" have since been reclassified as the writing of Joseph Bringhurst, Jr.

Dates

  • Creation: 1792-1821, undated
  • Creation: Majority of material found within 1792 - 1797

Creator

Access Restrictions

No restrictions.

Biographical/Historical Note

Charles Brockden Brown, novelist and journalist, was the first professional American writer and the first American writer to develop an international reputation. While practicing the law, Brown published his earliest work, "The Rhapsodist," in the Columbian Magazine for 1789.

In 1793, he turned to writing full time, published all his novels between 1798 (Wieland) and 1801 (Jane Talbot), and edited literary and historical journals (1799-1810). Among his works were Alcuin: a Dialogue (1798), a work on the rights of women; Edgar Huntly (1799-1800), a novel in two parts; a translation of Volney's Tableau du climat et du sol des Etats-Unis... (1804); and the American Register or General Repository of History ..., which he edited from 1807-1810.

Extent

2 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The collection consists largely of Brown's correspondence, much of it with his friends Joseph Bringhurst, Jr., (1767-1834) and Deborah Ferris (1773-1844), later Mrs. Bringhurst, or between Ferris and Bringhurst.

General Note

Photocopies of correspondence provided for patron use. Correspondence also available on microfilm; George J. Mitchell Dept. of Special Collections & Archives, Bowdoin College Library, Brunswick, Me.; 1 microfilm reel. (1796 Sep 14 letter not included on microfilm).

Related Names

Finding Aid & Administrative Information

Title
Guide to the Charles Brockden Brown Papers
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Repository Details

Part of the George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives, Bowdoin College Library, Brunswick, Maine 04011 Repository

http://library.bowdoin.edu/arch/index.shtml
Contact:
3000 College Station
Brunswick Maine 04011 USA
(207) 725-3288

Acknowledgment of non-neutrality

The George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives, like all archives and special collections libraries, is the creation of human beings who have collected, organized, and described things in ways that reflect personal, cultural, societal, and institutional biases. Although we strive to preserve and present collections in a manner that is respectful to the individuals and communities who create, use, and are represented in the collections, we acknowledge that our systems are neither neutral nor perfect. We encourage you to let us know if you encounter materials, descriptive language, or practices that are offensive or harmful, particularly those for which inadequate context or warning is offered. We are committed to modifying and updating our descriptive practices to use respectful and inclusive terminology and appreciate your help in this work. We look forward to supporting you in your research and learning together.