On the Frontier By: Bret Harte (1836-1902)
On the Frontier by Bret Harte takes readers on a captivating journey through the wild landscapes of the American West. Set during a time of rapid expansion and exploration, this collection of short stories provides a vivid glimpse into the lives of those who ventured out onto the untamed frontier. Harte's writing style is both evocative and lyrical, transporting readers back to a bygone era. Through his carefully crafted descriptions, he breathes life into characters who are as diverse and unpredictable as the wilderness itself. From hardened prospectors and gamblers to cunning outlaws and resilient frontierswomen, each story showcases the complex emotions and struggles of those who sought their fortune against the rugged backdrop of the West. What sets On the Frontier apart is the depth with which Harte explores the moral dilemmas and flaws of his characters. Through his nuanced storytelling, he delves into themes of greed, love, betrayal, and redemption. Each story unfolds in unexpected ways, often defying conventional expectations, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the final page. It is worth noting that Harte's portrayal of Native Americans and minorities reflects the prevailing attitudes of his time, which may be unsettling to contemporary readers. However, this collection remains an important reflection of the historical context in which it was written. One of the standout stories in the collection is "The Outcasts of Poker Flat," which centers on a group of outlaws banished from a small town and left to fend for themselves in the unforgiving wilderness. The narrative of survival and sacrifice is simultaneously heart-wrenching and inspiring, showcasing Harte's ability to inject his tales with profound emotion. Another remarkable feature of On the Frontier is Harte's use of regional dialects and vernacular. By capturing the distinct voices and colloquialisms of the West, he immerses readers in a rich and authentic atmosphere. This attention to detail allows readers to feel as if they are sitting around a crackling campfire, listening to the tales of the frontier firsthand. While some stories may feel more formulaic or predictable than others, On the Frontier as a whole offers a diverse range of narratives that are sure to resonate with readers who enjoy both classic Western literature and tales of adventure. Harte's ability to balance suspense, humor, and introspection make this collection a compelling and worthwhile read for anyone intrigued by the fascinating period of the American frontier. In conclusion, On the Frontier by Bret Harte is a captivating collection of tales that transport readers to the untamed landscapes of the American West. With its vivid descriptions, complex characters, and exploration of moral dilemmas, Harte weaves together a tapestry that brings this defining period of history to life. Despite its occasional flaws reflective of the time it was written, this collection remains a must-read for anyone seeking an immersive, thought-provoking glimpse into the pioneering spirit that defined the frontier. First Page: ON THE FRONTIER By Bret Harte CONTENTS AT THE MISSION OF SAN CARMEL A BLUE GRASS PENELOPE LEFT OUT ON LONE STAR MOUNTAIN AT THE MISSION OF SAN CARMEL PROLOGUE It was noon of the 10th of August, 1838. The monotonous coast line between Monterey and San Diego had set its hard outlines against the steady glare of the Californian sky and the metallic glitter of the Pacific Ocean. The weary succession of rounded, dome like hills obliterated all sense of distance; the rare whaling vessel or still rarer trader, drifting past, saw no change in these rusty undulations, barren of distinguishing peak or headland, and bald of wooded crest or timbered ravine. The withered ranks of wild oats gave a dull procession of uniform color to the hills, unbroken by any relief of shadow in their smooth, round curves. As far as the eye could reach, sea and shore met in one bleak monotony, flecked by no passing cloud, stirred by no sign of life or motion. Even sound was absent; the Angelus, rung from the invisible Mission tower far inland, was driven back again by the steady northwest trades, that for half the year had swept the coast line and left it abraded of all umbrage and color. But even this monotony soon gave way to a change and another monotony as uniform and depressing... Continue reading book >>

On the Frontier By: Bret Harte (1836-1902)

On the Frontier by Bret Harte takes readers on a captivating journey through the wild landscapes of the American West. Set during a time of rapid expansion and exploration, this collection of short stories provides a vivid glimpse into the lives of those who ventured out onto the untamed frontier.

Harte's writing style is both evocative and lyrical, transporting readers back to a bygone era. Through his carefully crafted descriptions, he breathes life into characters who are as diverse and unpredictable as the wilderness itself. From hardened prospectors and gamblers to cunning outlaws and resilient frontierswomen, each story showcases the complex emotions and struggles of those who sought their fortune against the rugged backdrop of the West.

What sets On the Frontier apart is the depth with which Harte explores the moral dilemmas and flaws of his characters. Through his nuanced storytelling, he delves into themes of greed, love, betrayal, and redemption. Each story unfolds in unexpected ways, often defying conventional expectations, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the final page.

It is worth noting that Harte's portrayal of Native Americans and minorities reflects the prevailing attitudes of his time, which may be unsettling to contemporary readers. However, this collection remains an important reflection of the historical context in which it was written.

One of the standout stories in the collection is "The Outcasts of Poker Flat," which centers on a group of outlaws banished from a small town and left to fend for themselves in the unforgiving wilderness. The narrative of survival and sacrifice is simultaneously heart-wrenching and inspiring, showcasing Harte's ability to inject his tales with profound emotion.

Another remarkable feature of On the Frontier is Harte's use of regional dialects and vernacular. By capturing the distinct voices and colloquialisms of the West, he immerses readers in a rich and authentic atmosphere. This attention to detail allows readers to feel as if they are sitting around a crackling campfire, listening to the tales of the frontier firsthand.

While some stories may feel more formulaic or predictable than others, On the Frontier as a whole offers a diverse range of narratives that are sure to resonate with readers who enjoy both classic Western literature and tales of adventure. Harte's ability to balance suspense, humor, and introspection make this collection a compelling and worthwhile read for anyone intrigued by the fascinating period of the American frontier.

In conclusion, On the Frontier by Bret Harte is a captivating collection of tales that transport readers to the untamed landscapes of the American West. With its vivid descriptions, complex characters, and exploration of moral dilemmas, Harte weaves together a tapestry that brings this defining period of history to life. Despite its occasional flaws reflective of the time it was written, this collection remains a must-read for anyone seeking an immersive, thought-provoking glimpse into the pioneering spirit that defined the frontier.

First Page:

ON THE FRONTIER

By Bret Harte

CONTENTS

AT THE MISSION OF SAN CARMEL

A BLUE GRASS PENELOPE

LEFT OUT ON LONE STAR MOUNTAIN

AT THE MISSION OF SAN CARMEL

PROLOGUE

It was noon of the 10th of August, 1838. The monotonous coast line between Monterey and San Diego had set its hard outlines against the steady glare of the Californian sky and the metallic glitter of the Pacific Ocean. The weary succession of rounded, dome like hills obliterated all sense of distance; the rare whaling vessel or still rarer trader, drifting past, saw no change in these rusty undulations, barren of distinguishing peak or headland, and bald of wooded crest or timbered ravine. The withered ranks of wild oats gave a dull procession of uniform color to the hills, unbroken by any relief of shadow in their smooth, round curves. As far as the eye could reach, sea and shore met in one bleak monotony, flecked by no passing cloud, stirred by no sign of life or motion. Even sound was absent; the Angelus, rung from the invisible Mission tower far inland, was driven back again by the steady northwest trades, that for half the year had swept the coast line and left it abraded of all umbrage and color.

But even this monotony soon gave way to a change and another monotony as uniform and depressing... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature

eBook links
Wikipedia – Bret Harte
Wikipedia – On the Frontier

eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook • iBooks for iPhone and iPad • Nook • Sony Reader	Kindle eBook • Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook • Load eBook in browser	Text File eBook • Computers • Windows • Mac