A classic novel of the youth who goes off to war with idealistic dreams of heroism. What makes this so powerful are the psychological insights that the author is able to portray literally putting the reader inside the head of young Henry as he deals with his doubts as the realities of war rush in on him. That Stephen Crane had never experienced the reality of battle himself makes this book all the more amazing. ( )

A psychological study of battle from one of the few realistic novels to come out of the Civil War. A good tight read that foreshadows Steinbeck and Hemingway. Of the short stories The Open Boat stood out. The others were almost O. Henry wannabees. A good look at life in the late 19th century. ( )