Sheppard Lee, Written by Himself (ePub)

Robert Montgomery Bird (1806-1854) was a multi-faceted American writer, dramatist, and novelist known for his contributions to American literature in the early 19th century. Born in New Castle, Delaware, he initially pursued a career in medicine after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania in 1827, but his passion for writing soon took precedence. Bird's literary style is characterized by its embrace of the American Gothic tradition and its examination of the human condition through a unique blend of satire, humor, and social critique.

His novel 'Sheppard Lee, Written by Himself' (1836) is perhaps Bird's most recognized work. This satirical narrative follows its eponymous protagonist through a series of extraordinary body-swapping adventures that reflect on the era's culture and ethics. The novel's innovative use of the first-person perspective and its exploration of identity and reincarnation were ahead of its time, presenting a precursor to many modern literary techniques. Bird's work often highlighted the complexities of American society-including issues of identity, class, and the supernatural-placing him as a noteworthy figure in the antebellum literary scene. Despite his passing at an early age, Robert Montgomery Bird's influence is enduring, with scholars continuing to study his nuanced depictions of American life and contributions to the development of the American novel.