Bret Harte Quotes

A collection of quotes by Bret Harte.

Bret Harte was an American writer and poet, born on August 25, 1836, in Albany, New York. Known for his stories set in the American West, Harte became one of the prominent figures of American literature during the 19th century. He moved to California in 1854 during the Gold Rush and worked as a teacher, express messenger, and journalist.

Harte's literary career began in the mid-1860s when he started writing for The Californian, a literary magazine. His stories, often depicting the lives of miners, gamblers, and other characters in the wild western frontier, gained immense popularity. His writing style was characterized by a blend of humor, sentimentality, and the use of local dialects.

In 1868, Harte published "The Luck of Roaring Camp," a short story that brought him widespread acclaim and launched his career as a writer. He continued to pen numerous short stories and poems, notably "The Outcasts of Poker Flat," "Plain Language from Truthful James" (also known as "The Heathen Chinee"), and "How Santa Claus Came to Simpson's Bar."

Bret Harte's works often explored themes of morality, justice, and the clash between civilization and the untamed frontier. He had a significant influence on Western literature and helped shape the perception of the American West in popular culture.

Harte passed away on May 2, 1902, in Camberley, England. His contributions to American literature continue to be celebrated, and his works are still studied and enjoyed by readers today.