Great American Short Stories

In their introduction, authors Wallace and Mary Stegner review the history of short story development in the United States. They argue that this literary form was invented by Edgar Allan Poe in 1832 with his publication of "Metzengerstein" in The Saturday Evening Post. Poe crafted "...the concentrated tale of effect, its single, preconceived impression attained with the greatest economy and directness of means, its action focused upon the climactic moment, its mood controlled from first to last, its improbabilities made plausible by a concreteness as great as DeFoe's, and a sensuous impressionalism learned from the romantic poets." (p. 12). Poe contributes to this collection of 26 short stories from the nineteenth and early-to-mid-twentieth centuries. He is joined by well-known and formerly-well-known authors who sharpen his conception of the short form and introduce their own conventions. Three selections from among these best-of-class offerings are: Washington Irving's "Rip Van Winkle" is fittingly timeless, having entertained many generations. It links the earlier oral folk tale and the more modern, written story. Ambrose Bierce's "The Boarded Window" focuses on a woman's death and what a man does to make the necessary arrangements. It has this single focus. James Thurber's "The Catbird Seat" explores the effect of a scheming employee on the unsuspecting staff of a small business. Instead of a sudden, single surprise, it entertains with a gradual integration of seemingly inconsistent events. Other notable contributing authors include Herman Melville, Bret Harte, Edith Wharton, Conrad Aiken, and Eudora Welty. This collection exposes readers to high quality literature which has stood time's test. Its stories are also interesting and fun to read. I recommend it highly.

The contents of this book are outstanding, but I would rather have a hard bound edition. The pages are coming apart from the binding. We still use it for our homeschooling.

It was required reading for my grandsons senior high school reading class. I did not find it extremely interesting but it was required.

The book is in great condition. It got here quickly also. I am very satisfied with the service that I got. Thanks

This was an execellent learning tool to introduce my 9th grade homeschooler to great works in literature. After reading this book he started reading more of the classic novels.