Under the Redwoods By: Bret Harte (1836-1902)
Under the Redwoods by Bret Harte is a delightful collection of short stories that fully immerse readers in the beauty and charm of California's redwood forests. Harte's rich and vivid descriptions convey a true sense of place, allowing readers to feel as though they are right there, among the towering trees and picturesque landscapes. The book is divided into seven distinct tales, each offering a glimpse into the lives of various characters who find themselves in the tranquil and enchanting setting of the redwoods. From young lovers yearning for a forbidden romance to strangers brought together by chance encounters, Harte captures the human experience with both humor and empathy. One of the standout stories in this collection is "A Kentucky Colonist," which explores themes of love, loyalty, and sacrifice. The protagonist, a young man named Colonel Starbottle, is forced to make a difficult decision that tests the limits of his principles. Harte masterfully weaves a tale that not only entertains but also provokes deep introspection. As readers follow Colonel Starbottle's journey, they are forced to question their own values and consider the sacrifices they may be willing to make for their loved ones. Another remarkable story is "The Outcasts of Poker Flat," a haunting and poignant tale of redemption and forgiveness. Harte skillfully portrays a group of outcasts banished from their town, forced to face the harsh realities of their circumstances. As the characters struggle to survive in the unforgiving wilderness, they are confronted with the consequences of their past actions. Through their trials and tribulations, Harte emphasizes the power of compassion and the potential for personal growth. Throughout the book, Harte demonstrates a keen understanding of human nature, showcasing the flaws, strengths, and complexities that make us who we are. He paints a vivid picture of a bygone era, highlighting the cultural nuances and societal norms of the time, while also presenting universal themes that resonate with readers from all walks of life. While the stories in Under the Redwoods may be set in a specific time and place, their essence transcends these boundaries, offering timeless lessons and engaging narratives. Bret Harte's exquisite storytelling and his ability to illuminate the human condition make this collection a must-read for anyone who appreciates the power of a well-crafted tale. Overall, Under the Redwoods is a captivating collection that pays homage to the beauty of nature, the complexities of human relationships, and the enduring power of storytelling. Bret Harte's masterful prose and thoughtful exploration of universal themes make it a true literary gem that will leave readers pondering its lessons for years to come. First Page: UNDER THE REDWOODS By Bret Harte CONTENTS JIMMY'S BIG BROTHER FROM CALIFORNIA THE YOUNGEST MISS PIPER A WIDOW OF THE SANTA ANA VALLEY THE MERMAID OF LIGHTHOUSE POINT UNDER THE EAVES HOW REUBEN ALLEN "SAW LIFE" IN SAN FRANCISCO THREE VAGABONDS OF TRINIDAD A VISION OF THE FOUNTAIN A ROMANCE OF THE LINE BOHEMIAN DAYS IN SAN FRANCISCO UNDER THE REDWOODS JIMMY'S BIG BROTHER FROM CALIFORNIA 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 mutations 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... Continue reading book >>

Under the Redwoods By: Bret Harte (1836-1902)

Under the Redwoods by Bret Harte is a delightful collection of short stories that fully immerse readers in the beauty and charm of California's redwood forests. Harte's rich and vivid descriptions convey a true sense of place, allowing readers to feel as though they are right there, among the towering trees and picturesque landscapes.

The book is divided into seven distinct tales, each offering a glimpse into the lives of various characters who find themselves in the tranquil and enchanting setting of the redwoods. From young lovers yearning for a forbidden romance to strangers brought together by chance encounters, Harte captures the human experience with both humor and empathy.

One of the standout stories in this collection is "A Kentucky Colonist," which explores themes of love, loyalty, and sacrifice. The protagonist, a young man named Colonel Starbottle, is forced to make a difficult decision that tests the limits of his principles. Harte masterfully weaves a tale that not only entertains but also provokes deep introspection. As readers follow Colonel Starbottle's journey, they are forced to question their own values and consider the sacrifices they may be willing to make for their loved ones.

Another remarkable story is "The Outcasts of Poker Flat," a haunting and poignant tale of redemption and forgiveness. Harte skillfully portrays a group of outcasts banished from their town, forced to face the harsh realities of their circumstances. As the characters struggle to survive in the unforgiving wilderness, they are confronted with the consequences of their past actions. Through their trials and tribulations, Harte emphasizes the power of compassion and the potential for personal growth.

Throughout the book, Harte demonstrates a keen understanding of human nature, showcasing the flaws, strengths, and complexities that make us who we are. He paints a vivid picture of a bygone era, highlighting the cultural nuances and societal norms of the time, while also presenting universal themes that resonate with readers from all walks of life.

While the stories in Under the Redwoods may be set in a specific time and place, their essence transcends these boundaries, offering timeless lessons and engaging narratives. Bret Harte's exquisite storytelling and his ability to illuminate the human condition make this collection a must-read for anyone who appreciates the power of a well-crafted tale.

Overall, Under the Redwoods is a captivating collection that pays homage to the beauty of nature, the complexities of human relationships, and the enduring power of storytelling. Bret Harte's masterful prose and thoughtful exploration of universal themes make it a true literary gem that will leave readers pondering its lessons for years to come.

First Page:

UNDER THE REDWOODS

By Bret Harte

CONTENTS

JIMMY'S BIG BROTHER FROM CALIFORNIA

THE YOUNGEST MISS PIPER

A WIDOW OF THE SANTA ANA VALLEY

THE MERMAID OF LIGHTHOUSE POINT

UNDER THE EAVES

HOW REUBEN ALLEN "SAW LIFE" IN SAN FRANCISCO

THREE VAGABONDS OF TRINIDAD

A VISION OF THE FOUNTAIN

A ROMANCE OF THE LINE

BOHEMIAN DAYS IN SAN FRANCISCO

UNDER THE REDWOODS

JIMMY'S BIG BROTHER FROM CALIFORNIA

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 mutations 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... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature
Short stories

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Wikipedia – Bret Harte
Wikipedia – Under the Redwoods

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