BRET HARTE (1836-1902) brought to life the American West of the California gold rush days. Harte colorfully and accurately portrayed reckless and fascinating characters (gamblers, miners and prostitutes) in their own authentic slang, in the context of vivid mountain scenery and the harsh conditions of the day. "The Outcasts of Poker Flat," about a mismatched group of people stranded in a mountain blizzard, is among the best-loved western stories of all time. Also included: "Brown of Calaveras," "Tennessee's Partner," "The Luck of Roaring Camp," "The Idyl of Red Gulch," and other stories and poems.