INTRODUCTION
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General Charles King |
The exhibit, Novel Adventures: The Life and Writing of General Charles King, highlights the achievements of a remarkable author of military romances. By viewing the exhibit at the McCracken Research Library gallery, or this on-line version, visitors will discover who Charles King was and may read selections of his writings paired with notable illustrations from his novels. |
The literary novels of Charles King (1844-1933) reflect Victorian ideals, morals and views, played out on Western frontiers, the Civil War, and the Spanish Philippines. His melodramatic stories are based on his personal adventures with the U.S. Army. King was a popular author in his day, publishing over 60 novels and numerous short stories. Yet today he is known mostly for one title, Campaigning With Crook, an autobiographical history based on his journal of the U.S. Army's Big Horn and Yellowstone Expedition of 1876.
The following passage from this book exemplifies his literary style. It is written from the perspective of a lieutenant of the U.S. 5th Cavalry while confronting the Cheyenne in the battle at Warbonnet Creek, Nebraska Territory:
| Savage warfare was never more beautiful than in you. On you come, your swift, agile ponies springing down the winding ravine, the rising sun gleaming on your trailing war bonnets, on silver armlets, necklace, gorget; on brilliant painted shield and beaded legging; on naked body and beardless face, stained most vivid vermilion. On you come, lance and rifle, pennon and feather glistening in the rare morning light, swaying in the wild grace of your peerless horsemanship; nearer, till I mark the very ornament on your leader's shield. And on, too, all unsuspecting, come your helpless prey. I hold vengeance in my hand, but not yet to let it go. Five seconds too soon and you can wheel about and escape us; one second too late, and my blue-coated couriers are dead men. |
King's military career became the touchstone of his many novels, as he served in five military campaigns over seventy years from the Civil War through the First World War.
A special feature of the Novel Adventures exhibit is attention to the illustrations within King's books. As King was a highly regarded writer in his day, the books boast the talent of such artists as Frederic Remington, Rufus Zogbaum, Gilbert Gaul, A.F. Harmer, E.W. Deming, and many others. These images capture the spirit of adventure and romance so typical of King and provide clear windows into his stories.
Portions of the Paul Hedren collection of King's books and manuscripts are on exhibit at the McCracken Research Library. This collection of King's books, journals, photographs and manuscripts is the primary source from which this exhibition was researched and prepared.