Bret Harte

Date of Birth: August 25, 1836

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: May 5, 1902

Biography

Bret Harte was an American author and poet best known for his works depicting the American West, particularly California, during the Gold Rush era. Born on August 25, 1836, in Albany, New York, Harte initially worked in various jobs, including as a teacher, miner, and journalist, before finding his calling as a writer. He gained widespread acclaim for his short stories, notably “The Luck of Roaring Camp” and “The Outcasts of Poker Flat,” which combined humor and pathos to portray life in mining camps and frontier towns. Harte’s literary career took off after he moved to California in 1854. He worked as an editor for several newspapers, including the Northern Californian and The Overland Monthly, where many of his famous stories were first published. His vivid descriptions and memorable characters helped shape the popular image of the American West in literature and folklore. In 1871, Harte moved to the East Coast and later to Europe, where he spent much of his later life. Despite early success, his later works did not achieve the same level of acclaim. He continued to write until his death on May 5, 1902, in Camberley, England, leaving behind a legacy as one of the foremost chroniclers of the American frontier.

5 Interesting Facts about Bret Harte

1. Bret Harte’s real name was Francis Brett Hart; he added the “e” to his last name later in life.

2. Harte was appointed United States Consul in Krefeld, Germany, and later in Glasgow, Scotland, due to his literary fame.

3. Despite his association with the American West, Harte spent the last decades of his life in Europe.

4. Harte collaborated with Mark Twain on the play “Ah Sin,” which was not a commercial success.

5. He was a mentor to the young Ambrose Bierce, another prominent American writer.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Bret Harte

1. “The only sure thing about luck is that it will change.”

2. “Never a lip is curved with pain that can’t be kissed into smiles again.”

3. “For the dead and the living, we must bear witness.”

4. “A bird in the hand is a certainty, but a bird in the bush may sing.”

5. “The secret of success is to know something nobody else knows.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Bret Harte’s highest net worth was modest compared to today’s literary giants, estimated to have been around $50,000 at the peak of his career, which would be approximately $1.2 million today adjusting for inflation.