Bret Harte Books

Set against the backdrop of the Gold Rush era, this collection showcases Bret Harte's masterful storytelling and rich character development. The diverse narratives depict life in the American West, featuring prospectors, gamblers, and cowboys, while exploring themes of human nature, justice, and the tension between civilization and wilderness. Harte's vivid descriptions and incorporation of humor and social commentary provide insightful reflections on the complexities of frontier life, making this collection a treasured glimpse into a transformative period in American history.

Set during the California Gold Rush, this short story vividly portrays life in a mining town, where the landscape itself influences the characters' fates. Harte skillfully explores themes of greed, hope, and redemption as diverse individuals converge in their quest for fortune. The narrative captures the spirit of the American West, offering a rich tapestry of adventure and human drama. Through evocative prose, the story immerses readers in a historical context that remains relevant, highlighting the enduring allure of Western literature.

'The Luck' in this story is a baby boy born in Roaring Camp, a California gold rush settlement. The baby's mother dies in childbirth and the men decide to bring up the boy themselves. His presence inspires them to drop their gambling and brawling. When gold is discovered, they believe the child has brought them this good fortune, but can this 'Luck' last? These are classic American short stories - published in 1868.

In 1870, the young San Francisco–based writer and editor Bret Harte (1836–1902) first compiled a single-volume edition of his rousing stories of life in the Wild West. Entitled The Luck of Roaring Camp, and Other Sketches, the book propelled him almost overnight from local celebrity to American literary lion. Four of the most famous of those tales are included in this collection: the title story, "The Outcasts of Poker Flat," "Tennessee's Partner," and "M'liss."Additional selections include "A Protégée of Jack Hamlin" and "An Ingénue of the Sierras," both written later in Harte's life and featuring lively casts of colorful characters in settings ranging from a stagecoach to a Sacramento River steamer. They display the author's enthralling storytelling style at full strength ― crisply observant, rich in ironic humor, and offering an engaging mix of sentiment and wit. Harte's style exercised a deep influence on the American short story genre and set a future course for writers of Western fiction, including Owen Wister and Zane Grey.

Sir Walter Scott / The Two Drovers, Nathaniel Hawthorne/ The Birthmark, Edgar Allan Poe / The Fall Of The House Of Usher, ETC.

This collection features seven notable short stories that encapsulate the essence of Western fiction, a genre highlighting the ruggedness of the American Old West from 1860 to 1900. The selected works showcase themes of courage and adventure against the backdrop of vast, desolate landscapes. Noteworthy authors such as Bret Harte, Jack London, and Willa Cather contribute to this anthology, offering readers a mythic vision of the plains and deserts through compelling narratives that reflect the spirit of the era.

Culturally significant, this work preserves the integrity of the original artifact, showcasing its historical value. It includes original copyright references and library stamps, providing insight into its journey through major libraries worldwide. The reproduction aims to maintain authenticity while contributing to the broader knowledge base of civilization.