Francis Bret Harte (1836–1902) was an acclaimed American author and poet, renowned for his pioneering depiction of California frontier life. With a keen narrative flair, Harte captured the tumultuous scenes of the American West, shrewdly weaving humor, vivid characters, and social commentary into his stories. Best recognized for his short fiction, Harte's 'Urban Sketches' provides insightful glimp...