Ormond by Charles Brockden Brown

Name: Ormond
Author: Charles Brockden Brown

Ormond is a Gothic novel by Charles Brockden Brown, first published in 1799. It tells the story of a young man, Ormond, who is sent to Philadelphia to make his fortune. He quickly finds himself embroiled in a web of intrigue and mystery, as he discovers that his family is involved in a sinister plot to gain control of the city. As he investigates further, he finds himself in danger from a variety of enemies, including a powerful secret society and a mysterious figure known only as the "Man in Gray". In the end, Ormond must use his wits and courage to save himself and the city from destruction.

By Charles Brockden Brown · First published 1799 · Genre: Gothic Fiction, Romance, Mystery · 30 chapters · 94,890 words

First lines

Stephen Dudley was a native of New-York. He was educated to the profession of a painter. His father's trade was that or an apothecary. But this son, manifesting an attachment to the pencil, he was resolved that it should be gratified. For this end Stephen was sent at an early age to Europe, and not only enjoyed the instructions of Fuzeli and Bartolozzi, but spent a considerable period in Italy, in studying the Augustan and Medicean monuments. It was intended that he should practise his art in his native city, but the young man, though reconciled to this scheme by deference to paternal authority, and by a sense of its propriety, was willing, as long as possible to postpone it. The liberality of his father relieved him from all pecuniary cares. His whole time was devoted to the improvement of his skill in his favorite art, and the enriching of his mind with every valuable accomplishment. He was endowed with a comprehensive genius and indefatigable industry. His progress was proportionably rapid, and he passed his time without much regard to futurity, being too well satisfied with the present to anticipate a change. A change however was unavoidable, and he was obliged at length to pay a reluctant obedience to his father's repeated summons. The death of his wife had rendered his society still more necessary to the old gentleman.

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Ormond is listed on Textopian as a novel by Charles Brockden Brown, dated 1799 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Charles Brockden Brown
Date: 1799 CE
Language: English
Genres: Gothic Fiction, Romance, Mystery, Historical Fiction
Length: 94,890 words
Structure: 30 chapters, 2,900 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Gothic Fiction — Ormond is a classic example of Gothic fiction, with its mysterious and suspenseful plot, supernatural elements, and dark themes of horror and terror.
Romance — Ormond contains a romantic subplot between the protagonist and his love interest, which is a common element of Gothic fiction.
Mystery — The novel is full of mysterious events and characters, and the protagonist is tasked with solving the mystery of his father's death.
Historical Fiction — Ormond is set in the late 18th century and contains many references to the historical events and culture of the time.