Francis bret harte biography. Anthony Trollope 2022-10-23

Francis Bret Harte was a 19th-century American author and poet who is best known for his short stories set in the American West. Born in Albany, New York in 1836, Harte spent much of his childhood in the East before moving to California in the 1850s. It was there that he began his literary career, writing for various newspapers and magazines before eventually becoming a full-time writer and editor.

Harte is perhaps best known for his stories and poems about life in the American West, which were popularized during the gold rush era. His most famous works include "The Luck of Roaring Camp," "The Outcasts of Poker Flat," and "The Heathen Chinee," all of which are set in California and feature strong, independent characters struggling to survive in a harsh and unforgiving landscape.

In addition to his work in the West, Harte also wrote poems and stories about other parts of the country, including New England and the South. He was known for his vivid and realistic portrayal of life in these regions, and his works often addressed social and political issues of the time.

Despite his success as a writer, Harte struggled with personal and financial difficulties throughout his career. He had a tumultuous marriage and struggled with alcoholism, and he was forced to move frequently in order to find work. Despite these challenges, Harte remained a prolific and influential writer, and his works continue to be widely read and admired today.

In addition to his literary contributions, Harte also played a significant role in the development of the American West as a cultural and artistic region. He was one of the first writers to depict the West as a place with its own unique character and culture, and his work helped to shape the way the region is perceived and represented in literature and popular culture.

Overall, Francis Bret Harte was a brilliant and influential writer who left a lasting impact on American literature and culture. His vivid and realistic portrayal of life in the West and beyond continues to captivate and inspire readers to this day.