In Condensed Novels: New Burlesques , Bret Harte offers a witty and playful collection of satirical summaries of well-known 19th-century novels, condensed into humorous, exaggerated sketches. With sharp irony and clever parody, Harte lampoons the dramatic plots, sentimental excesses, and literary conventions of popular fiction of his time. Each burlesque distills a novel’s essence into a few pages of exaggerated absurdity while still capturing its emotional core. The work showcases Harte’s talent for blending humor with literary critique, making fun of melodramatic heroines, brooding heroes, and improbable twists—all while celebrating the storytelling traditions he gently mocks. A lighthearted and clever read for lovers of classic literature and satire alike.
