Elder Conklin (ePub)

Frank Harris (1856-1931) was an Irish-American editor, journalist, and author, known for his exuberant personality and controversial opinions. Born in Ireland, Harris emigrated to the United States, where he pursued a diverse writing career, spanning journalism, fiction, and autobiography. His literary style is often characterized by vivid description and a propensity for exploring contentious subjects with an audacious frankness that mirrored his own life's rebellious trajectory. 'Elder Conklin and Other Stories' (1894) is one of his noteworthy fiction works, showcasing Harris's skill in portraying the stark realities of American frontier life through a collection of powerfully drawn characters and narratives. In these stories, readers are immersed in the moral and social dynamics of the Midwest, gaining a window into the rugged individualism and societal tensions of the time. The book stands testament to Harris's talent for short fiction, underlining his ability to capture the complexity of the human condition within the microcosm of rural American society. Frank Harris's contribution to literature extends beyond his short stories; he authored several other works, including his four-volume autobiography 'My Life and Loves,' which is infamous for its explicitness and has overshadowed his other achievements. Despite its notoriety, Harris's literary output is a testament to his larger-than-life persona and enduring impact as a writer who challenged the norms of his era.