Stephen Crane (November 1, 1871 - June 5, 1900) was an American novelist, short story writer, poet and journalist. He wrote in the Realist tradition and early examples of American Naturalism and Impressionism. Crane's first novel was Maggie: A Girl of the Streets, which is considered the first work of American literary Naturalism. The Red Badge of Courage, Crane's most famous work, is taught in schools throughout the country. The Third Violet was published in 1896. This is a romantic novel of manners. The story is in part autobiographical. The opening scene is that of a painter returning to his family farm. He meets a young girl and immediately falls in love with her.