The Red Badge of Courage and Other Stories (Penguin Classics)

Henry Fleming, a raw Union recruit in the American Civil War, is anxious to confirm his patriotism and manhood—to earn his "badge of courage." But his dreams of heroism and invulnerability are soon shattered when he flees from the Confederate enemy in his first encounter and then witnesses the horrible death of a friend. Caught in the nightmare of war, Fleming is finally driven by anger and confusion to a true act of courage.

Although this is a narrative of tremendous impact that contains detailed descriptions of the sounds and heat of battle, Pascal Covici, Jr., makes clear in his introduction that Crane's ultimate concerns are with a battle on another front—the battle waged in Henry Fleming's mind as he reacts to "reality," confronts duty and fear, and comes to terms with himself and his world.

This edition also includes Crane's acclaimed short stories "The Open Boat," "The Bride Comes to Yellow Sky," "The Blue Hotel," "A Poker Game," and "The Veteran."