Under the Redwoods - Harte, Bret

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Résumé :
As night crept up from the valley that stormy afternoon, Sawyer's Ledge was at first quite blotted out by wind and rain, but presently reappeared in little nebulous star-like points along the mountain side, as the straggling cabins of the settlement were one by one lit up by the miners returning from tunnel and claim. These stars were of varying brilliancy that evening, two notably so-one that eventually resolved itself into a many-candled illumination of a cabin of evident festivity; the other into a glimmering taper in the window of a silent one. They might have represented the extreme muta-tions of fortune in the settlement that night: the celebration of a strike by Robert Falloner, a lucky miner; and the sick-bed of Dick Lasham, an unlucky one. The latter was, however, not quite alone. He was ministered to by Daddy Folsom, a weak but emotional and aggressively hopeful neighbor, who was sitting beside the wooden bunk whereon the invalid lay. Yet there was something perfunc-tory in his attitude: his eyes were continually straying to the window, whence the illuminated Falloner festivities could be seen between the trees, and his ears were more intent on the songs and laughter that came faintly from the distance than on the feverish breathing and unintelligible moans of the sufferer.

Biographie:
The career of one of the prominent authors Bret Harte was quite dynamic as he contributed in various sectors like teaching, working as a miner and later as a journalist. But he was mostly known after he started his literary career, especially for his short and loving stories and poems. Being an American author and poet, he got high recognition after his work exploring the American West during the 19th century. He was born in 1836 in Albany New York and later he moved to California and gained experience which significantly influenced his style of writing. Apart from this book, some of his notable work includes The Luck of Roaring Camp an aesthetic short story that's established his reputation as a writer in Western literature. Despite facing a lot of criticism for his work resulted in deviation from his earlier success. However, created long long-lasting impact on people by contributing a heart-warming and aesthetic glimpse of Western culture. Bret Harte's writing style was highly praised for combining humour with a deep connection to human nature.

Sommaire:
Bret Harte was an American writer and poet, renowned for his short stories about the California Gold Rush, often featuring miners, gamblers, and other colorful figures of the time. His literary career spanned more than forty years, during which he produced not only short stories but also poetry, plays, book reviews, editorials, and magazine sketches. Born on August 25, 1836, in Albany, New York, he was the son of Elizabeth Ostrander and Henry Harte. Harte's works helped shape American literature, particularly through his vivid portrayal of life during the Gold Rush era. In 1862, he married Anna Griswold, and together they had four children: Griswold, Ethel, Francis King, and Jessamy. Harte's writing brought him widespread recognition, though he spent much of his later life in Europe. He passed away on May 5, 1902, in London at the age of 65. Known for his ability to capture the spirit of the American West, his legacy continues to influence writers exploring the complexities of the frontier experience....