3 Review(s)

The collection includes a series of humorous and satirical sketches that provide glimpses into the daily lives, manners, and foibles of people in cities and towns. While Harte is most renowned for his stories set in the Wild West, "Urban Sketches" demonstrates his versatility as a writer, showcasing his ability to capture the social and cultural dynamics of urban life.Some of the sketches and stories included in "Urban Sketches" are:"Boonder": A satirical tale of a fictional town where political intrigue and manipulation are the norm."Dick Spindler's Family Christmas": A humorous story about a Christmas celebration in an urban household, which takes unexpected turns."In the Tules": A story set in San Francisco's Chinatown that explores the challenges faced by Chinese immigrants."My Friend, the Tramp": An account of an encounter with a tramp, offering a glimpse into the lives of the homeless in the city."What Happened at the Fonda": A tale set in a boarding house, where the eccentricities of the residents lead to comic misunderstandings.