Arthur Mervyn

Set against the backdrop of a yellow-fever epidemic in 1793 Philadelphia, the novel follows a young man named Arthur Mervyn as he navigates the perils of illness and deception. After being discovered by Dr. Stevens while gravely ill, he is taken into the Stevens household, where his struggles unfold. The narrative intertwines themes of madness, innocence, and survival, reflecting the author's personal experiences and the societal chaos of the time, making it a poignant exploration of human resilience amid crisis.