👉 Columbiana, a 19th-century American novel by Mary Wollstonecraft, is often referred to as "the first novel of modern realism." The story centers on the life and career of Thomas More, who becomes a powerful politician in England. In this novel, More is portrayed as an idealist who seeks to reform society through his writings. The novel explores themes such as corruption, power, and the struggle for individual freedom. It was later adapted into a silent film by