Edgar Huntly; or, Memoirs of a Sleep-Walker

This edition features the definitive UVA text of Edgar Huntly; or, Memoirs of a Sleep-Walker, alongside contextual writings and essays by Brown.

This edition of Edgar Huntly; or, Memoirs of a Sleep-Walker presents the definitive UVA text of Charles Brockden Brown's influential novel. Accompanying the main text is a comprehensive introduction that situates the work within its historical, literary, and intellectual frameworks. This contextualization enhances the reader's understanding of the themes and ideas that permeate Brown's narrative, providing a richer reading experience.

Furthermore, this edition includes a selection of related writings that illuminate the intellectual milieu of the time. Notable texts featured are William Godwin's Enquiry Concerning Political Justice, Erasmus Darwin's Zoonomia; or, The Laws of Organic Life, and Benjamin Franklin's A Narrative of the Late Massacres. These works offer insights into the philosophical and political discussions that influenced Brown's writing, making the edition a valuable resource for both students and enthusiasts of early American literature.

In addition to these historical texts, the edition also includes excerpts from Brown's own essays, particularly focusing on somnambulism and the narrative techniques employed in fiction. By exploring these themes, Edgar Huntly; or, Memoirs of a Sleep-Walker not only stands as a compelling tale of adventure and psychological intrigue but also serves as a significant contribution to the discourse on the interplay between history and fiction.