Wieland by Charles Brockden Brown

This novel unfolds in the pre-Revolutionary American countryside, centering around the Wieland family, who become embroiled in a harrowing tale of religious fanaticism, mysterious voices, and a series of inexplicable events that lead to tragedy and horror. The story is narrated by Clara Wieland, who witnesses the devastating impact of these supernatural occurrences on her brother, Theodore Wieland, whose descent into madness culminates in a shocking act of violence. The novel explores themes of faith, reason, and the dark recesses of the human mind, making it a pioneering work in the American Gothic genre and a profound inquiry into the nature of belief and the psychological depths of terror.

The 2900th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 129

Since this book was first published in 1798, there is a penalty of 0%. The age adjusted score is 129.0.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.