William Wells Brown
Biography
William Wells Brown (c. 1814–1884) was an African American abolitionist, novelist, playwright, and historian—a pioneering figure in multiple literary forms. Born into slavery in Lexington, Kentucky, he escaped in 1834 and became a prominent abolitionist speaker and writer. Brown’s novel Clotel; or, The President’s Daughter (1853) is considered the first novel published by an African American. He also wrote the first African American play and the first African American travel book, making him one of the most versatile and important writers in early African American literature.
Common themes in William Wells Brown's work
African American literature
A recurring theme throughout William Wells Brown's writing.
First Black novel
A recurring theme throughout William Wells Brown's writing.
Slavery
A recurring theme throughout William Wells Brown's writing.
Abolitionism
A recurring theme throughout William Wells Brown's writing.
Books
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Why William Wells Brown is still read today
Brown’s Clotel holds a unique place as the first African American novel. His pioneering achievements across multiple literary forms make him essential to African American literary history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was William Wells Brown?
William Wells Brown was a formerly enslaved writer who published the first African American novel. Read his works free on TextStack.
What is Clotel about?
The first novel by an African American, telling the story of the fictional mixed-race daughters of Thomas Jefferson.
Why is Brown historically important?
He was the first African American to publish a novel, a play, and a travel book—a pioneer in multiple literary forms.
Where can I read William Wells Brown online?
TextStack offers Clotel free to read online.
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