Wieland; Or The Transformation An American Tale

Set in late 18th-century rural Pennsylvania, the narrative follows Clara Wieland as she recounts her family's descent into tragedy and madness. Central to the story is her brother Theodore, who, consumed by religious fervor, believes he is receiving divine commands that lead to horrific actions. The novel intricately examines themes of psychological instability and the dangers of fanaticism, positioning itself as a pioneering work of American Gothic fiction and a vital piece of early American literature.