Book excerpt: In spite of an extensive secondary literature that bristles with philosophical labels concerning his 'outlook, ' Stephen Crane's philosophy has been virtually ignored. Patrick Dooley's systematic examination of all Crane's writings-novels, sketches, short stories, news dispatches, and poems, whether famous or previously ignored-discloses coherent but subtle metaphysical, epistemological, social, and ethical positions. Dooley provides a sustained, direct discussion of Crane's philosophy and offers vivid depictions of fundamental philosophical issues.