The Monster & Other Stories by Stephen Crane
The Monster & Other Stories was published by Stephen Crane in 1899 to outstanding critical praise. Although not his final work, it would be the last collection of short fiction to be published by Stephen Crane before he became gravely ill. Originally published as a novella in Harper’s Magazine, “The Monster” drew immediate and fiery attention, due to Stephen Crane’s unflinching stare into the face of race and societal relations in New York during the turn of the twentieth century.
The story sets its focus on Henry Johnson, an African American coachman living in a small harbor town, who becomes horribly disfigured while rushing into a blazing fire to save the son of his employer, the town’s physician, Dr. Trescott.
Although beloved by his employer, the people in the small port town begin to view Henry as a monster, unable to separate his physical deformities from his heroic actions. Henry too, must struggle with the terrifying physical persona he is forced to endure for the rest of his life. Race and societal relations become tense as the story unfolds.
Also included in this special edition are the critically acclaimed stories: His New Mittens, and The Blue Hotel.
