Though born in Albany, New York, American author Francis Bret Harte went on to become one of the foremost chroniclers of pioneer life in the American West, with a particular focus on California. A Phyllis of the Sierras highlights Harte at his gritty, authentic best. Bret Harte (August 25, 1836 - May 5, 1902) was an American short story writer and poet, best remembered for his short fiction feat...