This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
The American short story and its birth in California
Bret Harte traces the evolution of the American short story from early English influenced beginnings to a distinct, character driven form rooted in American life. He credits humor, regional voice, and the Pacific slope experience, especially California, for shaping a concise, observational style that centers on authentic local characters and settings.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
America
Poe
Longfellow
Hawthorne
Atlantic
Irving
Addisons
Steeles
Eaands
Rosamund Grey
Judge Haliburton
Sam Slick
Dr. Judd
Margaret
New England
California
Mission
Presidio
Pacific Slope
Atlantic Seaboard
East
Lieut. Derby
United States Army
Mark Twain
Calaveras
Weekly Press
San Francisco News Letter
Major Pierce
Californian
Pioneer
Overland Monthly
Foundling
Europe
Centrepole
Harris
Cabie
Page
Huckleberry Finn
Great Smoky Mountains
Miss. Wilkins
Bret Harte