1789day.year
The first American novel, The Power of Sympathy or the Triumph of Nature Founded in Truth by William Hill Brown, is printed in Boston.
In 1789, William Hill Brown’s The Power of Sympathy is published in Boston as the first American novel, pioneering a new era of national literature.
William Hill Brown's epistolary novel The Power of Sympathy explores themes of seduction, morality, and familial duty.
As the first novel printed in the United States, it marked a significant milestone in American letters.
Set against the backdrop of post-Revolutionary America, the book warned of the dangers of unchecked passions.
Its publication demonstrated the budding literary culture in the new nation.
While its moralistic tone limits its modern appeal, its historical importance remains undeniable.
Brown's work paved the way for future American novelists to explore national identity through fiction.
1789
The Power of Sympathy or the Triumph of Nature Founded in Truth
William Hill Brown
Boston