"The Red Badge of Courage" Taking place during the American Civil War, the story is about a young private of the Union Army, Henry Fleming, who flees from the field of battle. Overcome with shame, he longs for a wound, a "red badge of courage," to counteract his cowardice. "The Little Regiment and Other Episodes from the American Civil War" is a collection of short stories with the Civil War as the main theme: The Little Regiment Three Miraculous Soldiers A Mystery of Heroism An Indiana Campaign A Grey Sleeve The Veteran

Stephen Crane (1871-1900) 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.