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Stephen Crane
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The Red Badge of Courage (Collector's Library) Hardcover – October 1, 2009

by Stephen Crane (Author)
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 3,188 ratings
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In two stories, Henry Fleming, a young Union soldier, struggles with courage, patriotism, and survival when plunged into war, and Old Henry demonstrates courage to his grandson after confessing to a cowardly act during his military service.
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  1. Part of series
    Bloom's Modern Critical Interpretations
  2. Print length
    198 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Collectors Library
  5. Publication date
    October 1, 2009
  6. Dimensions
    3.94 x 0.39 x 6.1 inches
  7. ISBN-10
    9781904633334
  8. ISBN-13
    978-1904633334
  9. See all details
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 1904633331
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Collectors Library; New edition (October 1, 2009)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 198 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9781904633334
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1904633334
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 4.9 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 3.94 x 0.39 x 6.1 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 3,188 ratings

About the author

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Stephen Crane

Stephen Crane

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Stephen Crane (November 1, 1871 – June 5, 1900) was an American poet, novelist, and short story writer. Prolific throughout his short life, he wrote notable works in the Realist tradition as well as early examples of American Naturalism and Impressionism. He is recognized by modern critics as one of the most innovative writers of his generation.

The ninth surviving child of Protestant Methodist parents, Crane began writing at the age of four and had published several articles by the age of 16. Having little interest in university studies, he left college in 1891 to work as a reporter and writer. Crane's first novel was the 1893 Bowery tale Maggie: A Girl of the Streets, generally considered by critics to be the first work of American literary Naturalism. He won international acclaim in 1895 for his Civil War novel The Red Badge of Courage, which he wrote without having any battle experience.

In 1896, Crane endured a highly publicized scandal after appearing as a witness in the trial of a suspected prostitute, an acquaintance named Dora Clark. Late that year he accepted an offer to travel to Cuba as a war correspondent. As he waited in Jacksonville, Florida, for passage, he met Cora Taylor, with whom he began a lasting relationship. En route to Cuba, Crane's vessel the SS Commodore, sank off the coast of Florida, leaving him and others adrift for 30 hours in a dinghy. Crane described the ordeal in "The Open Boat". During the final years of his life, he covered conflicts in Greece (accompanied by Cora, recognized as the first woman war correspondent) and later lived in England with her. He was befriended by writers such as Joseph Conrad and H. G. Wells. Plagued by financial difficulties and ill health, Crane died of tuberculosis in a Black Forest sanatorium in Germany at the age of 28.

At the time of his death, Crane was considered an important figure in American literature. After he was nearly forgotten for two decades, critics revived interest in his life and work. Crane's writing is characterized by vivid intensity, distinctive dialects, and irony. Common themes involve fear, spiritual crises and social isolation. Although recognized primarily for The Red Badge of Courage, which has become an American classic, Crane is also known for his poetry, journalism, and short stories such as "The Open Boat", "The Blue Hotel", "The Bride Comes to Yellow Sky", and The Monster. His writing made a deep impression on 20th-century writers, most prominent among them Ernest Hemingway, and is thought to have inspired the Modernists and the Imagists.

Bio from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Photo by unknown author [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
3,188 global ratings
Great Book. Spent some time at over 4 Civil ...
5 Stars
Great Book. Spent some time at over 4 Civil ...
Great Book. Spent some time at over 4 Civil War battlefield this past week all within 30 miles.Chancellorsville was the one that changed the tide of the War. It was Robert E Lee's greatest victory but also his greatest loss. The battle where Stonewall Jackson died.It is also the battle this book is based off of.I included a picture from the museum.
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Top reviews from the United States

G.B.C.
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Descriptions/Like Being In The Midst of Battle
Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2024
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Great book! This is not a "kids" book. Stephen Crane is a master story teller!

Short book, but long time memories!
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Kyle Weimar
5.0 out of 5 stars A Good study of shame and identity.
Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2024
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I really appreciated the growth the character goes through over the course of the battle. It is a very sobering transition from boy to man.
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Michelle Hensley
4.0 out of 5 stars A Vivid and Engrossing Tale of Battle and Self-Discovery
Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2024
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"The Red Badge of Courage" is a novel that explores the complexities of war through the eyes of its young protagonist, Henry Fleming. I found the author Stephen Crane's vivid descriptions of the battlefield to be both intense and thought-provoking, effectively transporting the reader to the heart of Civil War conflict. Crane's prose is at times sparse but powerful, capturing the chaos and the psychological landscape of a soldier grappling with fear and valor.

Henry's journey is an engaging coming-of-age story, showcasing a turbulent inner struggle between the ideals of heroism and the harsh realities of war. His quest for personal courage unfolds with a raw honesty that is both captivating and relatable. The novel's exploration of themes such as courage, manhood, and isolation was done with nuanced complexity, avoiding a clichéd or overly romanticized view of war.

However, while "The Red Badge of Courage" could be praised for its realism and character development, I found that the pacing could be uneven at times. This occasionally disrupted the flow of the narrative and made some sections feel slightly disjointed. Furthermore, some readers may find the historical and military details lacking, as Crane's focus was more on the psychological aspect of warfare than on providing a comprehensive picture of the era's military strategies.

Crane's characters, particularly Henry, are well-crafted, but secondary characters sometimes blend into the background, making it challenging to become fully invested in their individual fates. The dialogue, authentic to the period, contributes to the immersion but may require some acclimatization for the modern reader.

Overall, "The Red Badge of Courage" earns its place as a classic, painting a gripping portrait of war's impact on an individual level. It challenges the reader to consider the meaning of bravery and the complicated tapestry of human emotions in extreme circumstances. A solid four-star read for its ability to provoke thought and present a timeless introspection on war and self.
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Brent R. White
5.0 out of 5 stars A great, fast read. Powerful in its allegory.
Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2023
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I just read this book at 64 years old to honor my 7th grade teacher who recommended I read it back then. I didn't read it at the time and it really disappointed her. She obviously knew I could do better. It was a powerful, thought provoking and well written book from start to finish. Not a book that necessarily glorifies war, but a powerfully descriptive allegory of a man's inner urges, what means the most to him and what really counts when the real pressure is on. Anyway, Mrs. Paul, this was in your honor and I'm very glad I read the book.
7 people found this helpful
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JR
3.0 out of 5 stars slow boring
Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2023
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The whole story is the internal thoughts and emotions of one individual. Repetitive self analysis. Around ck 3/4 of the way there is finally some action. Supposed to be a classic. Now I understand why it was assigned reading in high school.
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Dave Kiehl
5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling tale
Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2023
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The story centers around Henry Fleming, though Crane almost always refers to him as "the youth." He seldom mentions the name of the characters. The youth begins as a newly minted soldier and the member of a new regiment decked out in new uniforms. Crane does an excellent job of portraying the mental gymnastics of the youth from elation and fantasies of bravery before his first battle, to the fear that enveloped him, how he gained his red badge of courage, and how it transformed him.

The representation of the chaos of engagements was also excellent.
One person found this helpful
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Steve
5.0 out of 5 stars A Christian Allegory
Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2023
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I believe this story to be a testament of love and recognition of the Christian story, from Jim's forward movement toward a vision in the distance to the youth's final understanding of himself as having emerged from a hell to the uplands of a tranquil meadow. It is simply a hymn of praise to the only true source of peace and reconciliation.
One person found this helpful
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Me
4.0 out of 5 stars A Bygone Age but Sentiments that Last
Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2023
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I finally read this book because Wishbone (a little dog in the 90s) recommended it. I can’t say I enjoyed it, but I can understand why many (and definitely those who have served) would. This story is about Henry Fleming, a Union soldier in the American Civil War who goes off to fight wondering if he will be able to. It’s a question we all ask ourselves: If I fought in a war, would I be courageous? Or would self-preservation kick in and I would run? All these thoughts and more flash through his head as he experiences his first battle.

I am thankful that I have never experienced combat in person—only through story. According to other reviews, this book gets it right (at least from the perspective of over 160 years ago). I think it’s a beautifully honest book, but I must admit at times I had no idea what was going on. I’m not sure if it was intentional to mimic the confusion of battle or if the writing style was not to my taste.

If you are looking for a book set during the American Civil War that reminds you of your humanity, then this book is for you.
2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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DeGraaf
5.0 out of 5 stars a very good book
Reviewed in Canada on August 24, 2023
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a very good book
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Peter Buckman
5.0 out of 5 stars The best war story?
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 2, 2023
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This is the best story I have read about the fear, futility, and fury of war - the American Civil War - but it could be about any battle, anywhere, anytime. It takes place entirely in the head of a young soldier and explores in exquisite and imaginative detail his thoughts about both his cowardice and his heroism. The author, Stephen Crane, had never experienced battle, yet his central character's thoughts and actions are entirely credible. It makes the posturing of Hemingway's writing look hollow. Ford Madox Ford's quartet about the First World War, Parade's End, is also a classic of war fiction, and he experienced the real thing.
One person found this helpful
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José Macaya
4.0 out of 5 stars El acontecer de un soldado en la Guerra Civil americana
Reviewed in Spain on January 15, 2022
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Libro diferente y ya clásico. Refleja el acontecer de un soldado en la Guerra Civil americana (aunque no se menciona ésta). No se menciona contexto. Se habla de "el enemigo" sin especificar. De "el general" o "el teniente" o "el soldado alto" sin nombres. No se menciona la evolución de la guerra. Solo el día a día del soldado y su regimiento, que desconocen el contexto amplio. La expectativa sobre cuando entrarán en combate, los rumores, los temores, los infantiles sueños de gloria. No se aprenderá en este libro nada sobre la Guerra Civil, sino que se centra en las incertidumbres del soldado, que por otro lado no puede ser más ajeno al que sería su equivalente actual. Refleja por lo tanto el sentir de los jóvenes de entonces en esa situación, que hoy en día vemos como extraño, por haber cambiado los valores de la sociedad
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patricia lara
5.0 out of 5 stars A moving story in the eyes of a child soldier
Reviewed in Mexico on November 7, 2019
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The amazing descriptive narrative takes you to the time and place of the story
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chandan kumar mahapatra
5.0 out of 5 stars Good
Reviewed in India on October 10, 2019
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Good
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