Bret Harte is one of the finest writers during the Californias Gold Rush. Born in New York, Harte contracted Gold Fever and came overland at age 17 to work the gold fields. His short stories are classic California literature. Over these two classes, we will read and discuss his short stories including, The Luck of Roaring Camp, The Outcasts of Poker Flat and the infamous —The Heathen Chinee. Mark Twain credited Harte with helping develop him as a fine writer. Later, the two violently clashed leading to the demise of Harte in literary circles because of Twain’s wrath. Readings will be provided at the first class.