John Brown

John Brown
John Brown is a Scottish novelist and short story writer best known for his works in the late 19th century. He is recognized for his influential short story "Rab and His Friends" (1859), which became a classic of Scottish literature. Brown, who was also a physician, often drew on his medical background to inform the emotional depth and realism of his characters. His works, such as the essay collection "Horæ Subsecivæ," reflect his deep philosophical reflections and humanistic outlook.

Author's Books:

Sort by:
Rab and His Friends

Rab and His Friends

by: John Brown
Four years ago, my uncle, the Rev. Dr. Smith of Biggar, asked me to give a lecture in my native village, the shrewd little capital of the Upper Ward. I never lectured before; I have no turn for it; but Avunculus was urgent, and I had an odd sort of desire to say something to these strong-brained, primitive people of my youth, who were boys and girls when I left them. I could think of nothing to give... more...
Spare Hours

Spare Hours

by: John Brown
NOTE TO THE AMERICAN EDITION. The author of “Rab and his Friends” scarcely needs an introduction to American readers. By this time many have learned to agree with a writer in the “North British Review” that “Rab” is, all things considered, the most perfect prose narrative since Lamb’s “Rosamond Gray.” A new world of doctors, clergymen, shepherds, and carriers is revealed in the... more...
The Great English Short-Story Writers, Volume 1

The Great English Short-Story Writers, Volume 1

by: John Brown
I The short-story commenced its career as a verbal utterance, or, as Robert Louis Stevenson puts it, with "the first men who told their stories round the savage camp-fire." It bears the mark of its origin, for even to-day it is true that the more it creates the illusion of the speaking-voice, causing the reader to listen and to see, so that he forgets the printed page, the better does it... more...