Lot 79

Strong cdv of writer Francis Brett Hart. Known professionally as Bret Harte he was an American short story writer and poet best remembered for short fiction featuring miners, gamblers, and other romantic figures of the California Gold Rush. In a career spanning more than four decades, he also wrote poetry, plays, lectures, book reviews, editorials, and magazine sketches. Harte moved from California to the eastern U.S. and later to Europe. His Gold Rush tales have been those most often reprinted, adapted, and admired. In 1878 Harte accepted the position of United States Consul in the town of Krefeld, Germany after campaigning for the job. Mark Twain had been a friend and supporter of Harte’s until a substantial falling out, and he had previously tried to block any appointment for Harte. In a letter to William Dean Howells, he complained that Harte would be an embarrassment to the United States because, as he wrote, “Harte is a liar, a thief, a swindler, a snob, a sot, a sponge, a coward, a Jeremy Diddler, he is brim full of treachery… To send this nasty creature to puke upon the American name in a foreign land is too much.” This vignette cdv has extremely strong tones and contrast with a hint of wear as seen. By Sarony, NY. There is a similar cabinet card also by Sarony in the National Portrait Gallery.

Opening bid: $45