"My Luck, Just Now, Is Pretty Hard": Letters from Bret Harte, 1872–78
Here you will find fourteen letters by Bret Harte, along with background information on his literary career. The letters are directed to Harte's family members, business associates, and friends–including Samuel Clemens, or Mark Twain. Read through the letters and footnotes, and write a reply from one of recipients.

BRET HARTE: Popularity, Poetry and Performance (Anxiety)
Bret Harte is considered a regional author, having used the American West as the backdrop for the majority of his works. After reading this article about Harte's career as a writer of "local color," why do you think his authenticity as a regional spokesman was sometimes questioned? Record your answer in the Web Links Activity Log.