Illustrated Verses From Bret Hartes Controversial Poem Plain Language From Truthful James About Racial Tensions In 1870s California

BRET HARTE (1836-1902). Harte was a Nineteenth Century poet and author best known for writing about life in early California.9 pages. 5 x 7 . A complete set of illustrated verses from Bret Hartes 1870 poem Plain Language from Truthful James, later known as The Heathen Chinee. The poem was intended as a satirical critique of nineteenth-century Californian prejudices against the Chinese, but it was interpreted by much of its readership as anti-Chinese and was often republished in that context. Harte himself, however, was strongly against racism. These images are from a series published in 1870 by Chicagos Western News Company with illustrations by Joseph Hull. They pages are in fine condition with some light aging and staining.