The Red Badge of Courage

Henry Fleming, a raw Union Army recruit in the American Civil War, is anxious to confirm his patriotism and manhood—to earn his “badge of courage.” But his dreams of heroism and invulnerability are soon shattered when he flees the Confederate enemy during his baptism of fire and then witnesses the horrible death of a friend. Plunged unwillingly into the nightmare of war, Fleming survives by sheer luck and instinct. This edition of Stephen Crane’s poignant classic is supplemented by five of his acclaimed short stories as well as selected poetry, offering the full range of this great American author’s extraordinary talent.

• Includes five of Crane's short stories: "The Open Boat", "The Bride Comes to Yellow Sky", "The Blue Hotel", "The Self-Made Man", and "The Veteran"
• Features a new introduction and notes by American literature scholar Gary Scharnhorst

During his service in the Civil War a young Union soldier matures to manhood and finds peace of mind as he comes to grips with his conflicting emotions about war.

Stephen Crane (1871–1900) was active as a reporter around the world in addition to being an acclaimed novelist.

Gary Scharnhorst is editor of American Literary Realism and editor in alternating years of the research annual American Literary Scholarship.

Gary Scharnhorst is editor of American Literary Realism and editor in alternating years of the research annual American Literary Scholarship.