The Works of Eugene Field Vol. V: The Holy Cross and Other Tales

Book excerpt: The Works of Eugene Field is a collection of poetry and essays by American author Eugene Field, originally published by Charles Scribner's Sons in 1896 under the title The Writings in Prose and Verse of Eugene Field. Known for his children's poetry, especially the light-hearted "Wynken, Blynken, and Nod," Field was a journalist who found his niche in poetry and humor writing. The original collection, published after Field's death and including artwork and letters from the author, is a charming set of books compiling all his works. Republished here for young readers and collectors of Americana, The Works of Eugene Field is sure to delight audiences young and old. Volume V of this twelve-volume set, The Holy Cross and Other Tales, is a collection of short stories, including "The Holy Cross." Five tales were added after it was originally issued, meant to demonstrate some of Field's best work from his later years. It also includes an Introduction from American poet and essayist Edmund Clarence Stedman. EUGENE FIELD (1850-1895) was an American author known for his humorous essays and children's poetry. Interested in many subjects and unable to decide what to do with his life, Field attended three colleges-Williams College, Knox College, and University of Missouri-tried his hand at acting, law, and journalism, and traveled Europe before meeting his wife and becoming city editor for the St. Joseph Gazette in St. Joseph, Missouri. He wrote and edited for several newspapers, establishing himself as a humor writer and publishing poetry. He died of a heart-attack at 45.