The Professor was the first novel by Charlotte Bront . It was originally written before Jane Eyre and rejected by many publishing houses, but was eventually published posthumously in 1857. The book is the story of a young man, William Crimsworth. It describes his maturation, his loves, and his eventual career as a Professor at an all-girl's school. The story is based upon Charlotte Bront 's experiences in Brussels where she studied as a language student in 1842.