Francis Bret Harte

Francis Bret Harte (1836-1902) was an American author and poet best known for his short stories depicting miners, gamblers, and other figures of the California Gold Rush, such as 'The Luck of Roaring Camp' and 'The Outcasts of Poker Flat.' Born in Albany, New York, he moved to California in his youth, working various jobs including miner, teacher, and journalist before editing the Overland Monthly, where his breakthrough works gained him national fame. Later, he lectured, held consular positions abroad, and continued writing poetry, plays, and sketches until his death in London.[1][2][3]