Stephen Crane (1871-1900) is one of the best loved American writers of all time. He is renowned for his novel The Red Badge of Courage and short stories, including Open Boat and The Blue Hotel. He died before he finished writing his last novel, the Irish romance titled The O'Ruddy. Completed upon his death by Robert Barr, the book was published in New York in 1903. Also included in this edition are Crane's Irish Notes (1897). According to the New York Times review, There is hardly a dull page in the book, while dozens will sweep you along breathless. And it leaves no man a chance to laugh at it. Always it laughs first.