"The Red Badge of Courage" is a novel written by the American author Stephen Crane. It was first published in 1895. The novel is set during the American Civil War and follows the experiences of a young soldier named Henry Fleming, who enlists in the Union Army with dreams of glory but soon faces the harsh realities of combat. As Henry confronts fear, doubt, and the chaos of battle, he grapples with his own courage and the complexities of war. "The Red Badge of Courage" is celebrated for its realistic portrayal of the psychological and emotional experiences of soldiers in combat. It explores themes of fear, bravery, and the nature of heroism. Stephen Crane's novel is considered a classic of American literature and is often studied for its innovative narrative style and its contribution to the genre of war literature.