The Third Violet

The Third Violet may come as a surprise to readers familiar with Stephen Crane's classic novel, The Red Badge of Courage. Crane wrote The Third Violet in 1895, in response to his new-found fame as a realist. His goal was to stretch his literary achievement beyond war stories to write a romantic tale. The Third Violet is the story of impressionist painter Billie Hawker's romantic courtship of New York socialite Grace Fanhall. Dog-lovers will especially enjoy scenes featuring Billie's Irish Setter, Stanley. Although it was not one of the author's own favorite works, readers who enjoy romance will surely enjoy the light, charming story from a different era -- a time when the deepest of feelings could be held in a single, tiny violet.