The Red Badge of Courage

xli, 266 pp. Crane's famous work on the American Civil War, which inspired the 1951 MGM film of the same name. "Henry Fleming has joined the Union army because of his romantic ideas of military life, but soon finds himself in the middle of a battle against a regiment of Confederate soldiers. Terrified, Henry deserts his comrades. Upon returning to his regiment, he struggles with his shame as he tries to redeem himself and prove his courage."