The Battle of Bunker Hill

We are so accustomed to regarding Stephen Crane as an almost matchless describer of battle scenes that it seems novel to encounter him in a work that is essentially historical in character.

The book is made up of eight sketches, each devoted to a historical conflict of arms.

The author's purpose was to give a vigorous and vivid story of a number of the great battles in the world's history, whose consequences were far-reaching and epoch-making.

The list begins with Bunker Hill, then comes the battle of Vittoria in Wellington's Peninsular Campaign of 1812, then the siege of Plevna and next the storming of Burkersdorf Heights, one of the notable battles fought by Frederick the Great against the Austrians in 1762.

The other conflicts described are Leipsic and Lutzen in Gustavus Adolphus' campaign in Germany, the storming of Badajos, the battle of New Orleans and the battle of Solferino.

It is probable that had Crane's life been prolonged he would have extended the list still further.

A potent combination of epic battle scenes and intimate personal story, Stephen Crane's remarkably bloody combat sequences emphasize the hero's internal struggle with issues of courage, loyalty, cowardice, and betrayal.

STEPHEN CRANE (18711900) was an American novelist, short story writer, poet, and journalist. He is recognized by modern critics as one of the most innovative writers of his generation. Crane's other notable works include The Open Boat, The Blue Hotel, The Bride Comes to Yellow Sky, and Maggie: A Girl of the Streets.

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