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The Red Badge of Courage (Dover Thrift Editions: Classic Novels) Paperback – Unabridged, July 1, 1990

4.3 out of 5 stars 3,356 ratings

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An enduring landmark of American fiction! Amid the nightmarish chaos of a Civil War battle, a young soldier discovers courage, humility, and, perhaps, wisdom.
 
First published in 1895, this small masterpiece set the pattern for the treatment of war in modern fiction. The novel is told through the eyes of Henry Fleming, a young soldier caught up in an unnamed Civil War battle who is motivated not by the unselfish heroism of conventional war stories, but by fear, cowardice, and finally, egotism. However, in his struggle to find reality amid the nightmarish chaos of war, the young soldier also discovers courage, humility, and perhaps, wisdom.
 
Although Crane had never been in battle before writing 
The Red Badge of Courage, the book was widely praised by experienced soldiers for its uncanny re-creation of the sights, sounds, and sense of actual combat. Its publication brought Crane immediate international fame and established him as a major American writer. Today, nearly a century later, the book ranks as an enduring landmark of American fiction.
 
Dover publishes an impressive selection of authors in the Thrift Editions library of classic literature. A top choice for teachers, students, librarians, and recreational readers around the world, Dover’s longstanding mission of exceptional value has consistently offered excellence in classic fiction, nonfiction, plays, and poetry. With over 700 titles available, each book is complete and unabridged, and many are priced as low as $2.50. 
 
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The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane Dover Thrift Editions Classic Novels

First published in 1895, this small masterpiece set the pattern for the treatment of war in modern fiction.

Amid the nightmarish chaos of a Civil War battle, a young soldier discovers courage, humility, and, perhaps, wisdom. Widely praised for uncanny re-creation of the sights, sounds, and sense of actual combat. An enduring landmark of American fiction.

The novel is told through the eyes of Henry Fleming, a young soldier caught up in an unnamed Civil War battle who is motivated not by the unselfish heroism of conventional war stories, but by fear, cowardice, and finally, egotism.

“The lieutenant, returning from a tour after a bandage, produced from a hidden receptacle of his mind new and portentous oaths suited to the emergency. Strings of expletives he swung lashlike over the backs of his men, and it was evident that his previous efforts had in nowise impairedhis resources.”

Dovers Thrift Edition Library of classic literature - a long standing mission of exceptional value

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From the Back Cover

First published in 1895, this small masterpiece set the pattern for the treatment of war in modern fiction. The novel is told through the eyes of Henry Fleming, a young soldier caught up in an unnamed Civil War battle who is motivated not by the unselfish heroism of conventional war stories, but by fear, cowardice, and finally, egotism. However, in his struggle to find reality amid the nightmarish chaos of war, the young soldier also discovers courage, humility, and perhaps, wisdom. Although Crane had never been in battle before writing The Red Badge of Courage, the book was widely praised by experienced soldiers for its uncanny re-creation of the sights, sounds, and sense of actual combat. Its publication brought Crane immediate international fame and established him as a major American writer. Today, nearly a century later, the book ranks as an enduring landmark of American fiction.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Dover Publications
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 1, 1990
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ Dover
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 112 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0486264653
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0486264653
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.28 ounces
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 11 years and up
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.25 x 0.5 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 3,356 ratings

About the author

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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
3,356 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a classic read with vivid, descriptive writing that captures the gruesome reality of war. The story is a compelling and haunting account of battle, and customers appreciate how it provides good insight into human emotion, particularly in its portrayal of youth struggling with perceptions. Customers also value the book's readability and consider it good value for money.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

124 customers mention "Readability"112 positive12 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as a fantastic and classic read, with one customer noting it's particularly suitable for more mature readers.

"...This has been an amazing experience for the boys They loved the book and all that came with it." Read more

"...According to other reviews, this book gets it right (at least from the perspective of over 160 years ago)...." Read more

"An extraordinary book for its time, Stephen Crane describes the intimate details and the innermost thoughts of a newly minted soldier on the front..." Read more

"...The first thing I noticed is that it was small - only a couple of hours to read. It made me favorably disposed to the book from the get go...." Read more

72 customers mention "Writing quality"52 positive20 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, particularly its vivid and descriptive scenes, with one customer noting how the author captures the gruesome reality of war.

"...Red Badge of Courage" earns its place as a classic, painting a gripping portrait of war's impact on an individual level...." Read more

"...It was a powerful, thought provoking and well written book from start to finish...." Read more

"...This was a very difficult book for me to access. It seemed to drift without any direction at times...." Read more

"...The representation of the chaos of engagements was also excellent." Read more

54 customers mention "Story quality"47 positive7 negative

Customers praise the book's story quality, describing it as a compelling and vivid coming-of-age tale of battle, with haunting accounts of war that make it an excellent Civil War narrative.

"...He eventually survived the conflict. This is good story if you like militaria stories. WLM SC" Read more

"...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..." Read more

"...Lastly, the length makes it a very enjoyable novel that you can finish in a day or so...." Read more

"...The descriptions made me feel the exhaustion and despair. The book had a twist...." Read more

24 customers mention "Thought provoking"24 positive0 negative

Customers find the book thought-provoking, praising its powerful allegory and deep insight into human emotion, particularly its portrayal of youth struggling with perceptions.

"...Stephen Crane's vivid descriptions of the battlefield to be both intense and thought-provoking, effectively transporting the reader to the heart of..." Read more

"...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..." Read more

"...a decade after the end of the Civil War, displays an astonishing talent for introspection...." Read more

"...In the book, I like how the author uses symbolic ideas to contrast how the battle was confusing and terrible...." Read more

13 customers mention "Value for money"10 positive3 negative

Customers find the book offers good value for money, with one mentioning it's an inexpensive printing of a classic book.

"Good price but VERY tiny print" Read more

"$4 for a classic that students can afford, write in, carry in their back jeans pocket...." Read more

"It was exactly what I needed for my students. The price and quality were right for a classroom edition." Read more

"It is a beautiful edition for a very reasonable price. Very pleased" Read more

Great Book. Spent some time at over 4 Civil ...
5 out of 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

  • Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2025
    This book should be in every Civil War aficionados library!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2024
    I have wanted to read this novel for quite some time. It is in every list of the books that one must read before death. It is set in Civil War times with the Blue Army against the Gray Army often identified as the Rebels.

    The story follows a young youth in the Blue Army through many battles with the Rebels. He was once separated from his Regiment and wounded, but stumbled upon another Blue Regiment and was taken in and cared for. He eventually survived the conflict.

    This is good story if you like militaria stories.

    WLM
    SC
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2024
    "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.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2024
    We had a gentleman from our local battlefield museum come and read this book with our 5th grade and up age groups. They all read aloud each day, he would bring artifacts and teach them drills. This has been an amazing experience for the boys
    They loved the book and all that came with it.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2024
    I don't need reading glasses (yet), but the print in this little book will strain even the strongest eyes. Better to pony up for a more substantial edition and save your vision.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2023
    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.
    15 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2023
    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
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2023
    143 pages

    4 stars

    Henry Fleming, a youth of indeterminate age, joins the Union Army. He has big dreams about both his ability and courage.

    When he gets to the front lines, reality sets in. Henry is to learn a great deal about himself and others. He is filled with conflicting emotions, brash and mouthy at once and then ashamed at another moment. If he takes his experiences to heart, he will be able to come out of this battle a man at last.

    This was a very difficult book for me to access. It seemed to drift without any direction at times. The personality of Henry was uneven and child-like. I wondered several times just how old he was. How much schooling had he had?

    It was clear that Mr. Crane had never seen war, much less the Battle of Chancellorsville. Was the average soldier actually as inept as Mr. Crane portrayed them? Were the officers really semi-crazed men shouting all the time? I’ve read many, many books about the Civil War that say otherwise. There are certainly occasions for shouting, but when the men are supposed to be “resting,” doesn’t seem like one of them.

    I gave this book four stars as a nod to the time in which it was written. I’m sure the authos of that time were not the mostly polished ones we read today.

    I’m glad I read this book, but overall found it somewhat disappointing.
    3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Missy A.
    2.0 out of 5 stars Bon livre mais je n'ai pas du tout aimé
    Reviewed in France on September 14, 2016
    Acheté pour la Fac d'anglais, je l'ai trouvé d'un ennui extrême. A peine utilisé en cours ce livre à été un vrai achat inutile.
    Report
  • Angelo A.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Un classico della letteratura
    Reviewed in Italy on June 22, 2018
    Un classico della letteratura che grazie ad AmazonClassics è possibile ottenere in formato digitale senza alcun costo. Complimenti ad Amazon per questa collana.
  • 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
    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
  • Peter Buckman
    5.0 out of 5 stars The best war story?
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 2, 2023
    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.
  • chandan kumar mahapatra
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good
    Reviewed in India on October 10, 2019
    Good