Brother Jonathan (novel)

Brother Jonathan is an 1855 novel written by John Neal. It is considered one of the earliest examples of American regionalist literature, focusing on the social and political landscape of New England, particularly Maine, during the War of 1812 era. The novel's plot revolves around the lives and fortunes of several families in a small Maine town, exploring themes of social class, patriotism, and the human cost of war.

The character of "Brother Jonathan," a personification of the Yankee spirit, is indirectly referenced in the title, although he does not explicitly appear as a character in the novel. Neal uses the setting and characters to embody the traits associated with the "Brother Jonathan" archetype: resourcefulness, independence, and unwavering loyalty to the United States.

Brother Jonathan is notable for its realistic portrayal of rural life in early 19th-century America. Neal employs colloquial language and detailed descriptions of customs and manners to create a vivid and authentic depiction of the time period. The novel also offers insights into the social tensions and political divisions that existed within the young nation. While not widely read today, Brother Jonathan holds historical and literary significance as a pioneering work in American literature.