Stephen Crane

About

Realist American author who published the acclaimed Civil War novel, The Red Badge of Courage, in 1895. His literary work, which includes journalism, poetry and short stories, exemplifies early American Naturalism.

Before Fame

When he was eight years old, he wrote his first poem, "I'd Rather Have-," about the fact that he wanted a dog for Christmas. He later trained for a military career at Claverack College and took an English course at Syracuse University; however, he abandoned both his military and educational aspirations to become a full-time writer.

Trivia

Although he died of tuberculosis at the age of twenty-eight, he wrote many works in his short lifetime and is considered one of the most important writers of his generation.

Family Life

He and his thirteen siblings were born to Methodist Episcopal minister, Jonathan Townley Crane, and minister's daughter, Mary Helen Peck Crane. Stephen Crane had an affair with Lily Brandon Munroe, a married woman who was estranged from her husband.

Associated With

He greatly influenced the literary development of author Ernest Hemingway.