Anthology of the American Short Story

As a student and teacher of the American short story, I highly recommend this anthology. Nagel balances oft-anthologized stories with works usually absent from university syllabi. The first chapter, "Irving and the Predecessors of the American Story," offers unique analysis of the foundation of short fiction in the United States. The section on Realism and Naturalism is also particularly strong. The collection is well-organized, the introductory and explanatory material meticulously researched, and the editor's prose is clear and concise.