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Short stories -- 20th century -- Bibliography Books
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The best short stories of 1925, and the yearbook of the American short story
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The best short stories of 1920, and the yearbook of the American short story
"The Best Short Stories of 1920" edited by Edward J. O'Brien is a collection of short stories that reflects the literary landscape of the early 20th century. This compilation includes diverse narratives that capture the essence of human experience and societal changes, making it a rich resource for readers interested in American fiction during this period. Among the featured stories are works by notable authors such as Sherwood Anderson and Edwina Stanton Babcock, showcasing a variety of themes and writing styles. At the start of this anthology, the introduction conveys the editor's exploration into the American short story genre, discussing its evolution and the challenges faced by writers amid commercial pressures. O'Brien emphasizes the significance of sincerity and emotional depth in storytelling, setting the tone for the narratives to follow. The opening story, "The Other Woman" by Sherwood Anderson, introduces a protagonist who grapples with conflicting feelings of love and desire just before his wedding, highlighting the complexities of human relationships. This intricate exploration of emotions is indicative of the themes that will permeate the collection, ensuring readers engage with thoughtful and evocative tales.
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The best short stories of 1918, and the yearbook of the American short story
"The Best Short Stories of 1918" edited by Edward J. O’Brien is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. This anthology compiles standout works from the American short story scene of that year, reflecting the literary landscape shaped by the tumultuous backdrop of World War I. Included are various narratives that capture a range of human experiences, emotions, and societal reflections, offering readers a glimpse of the period's literary richness. The opening of the collection begins with an introduction from O’Brien, where he discusses the impact of the war on contemporary literature, particularly on the imagination of writers. He notes a decline in the quality of short stories published during the year, attributing it to the overwhelming realities of war, before expressing optimism that a new and powerful literature will eventually emerge. Following this introduction, the first story, "A Simple Act of Piety" by Achmed Abdullah, captivates readers with its dark and intricate tale of a murder committed by Nag Hong Fah, a wealthy Chinese man who reflects ponderously on morality while living heedlessly among the chaos of urban life. Abdullah crafts a narrative that intertwines culture, identity, and the stark realities of his character's existence, setting a compelling tone for the stories that follow in this varied anthology.
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The best short stories of 1919, and the yearbook of the American short story
"The Best Short Stories of 1919 and the Yearbook of the American Short Story," edited by Edward J. O'Brien, is a collection of short stories published during the year, encapsulating the literary trends and themes of early 20th-century American fiction. This anthology comprises various notable authors of the time, showcasing a diverse range of characters and narratives that highlight the human experience from multiple viewpoints. The collection reflects the evolving American narrative style and offers insight into the social fabric of the decade. The opening of the anthology introduces the reader to the editor’s insightful preface, where O’Brien reflects on the state of American literature and critiques its tendencies towards optimism in the face of harsh realities. This is followed by the first story, "The Kitchen Gods" by Gulielma Fell Alsop, which transports us to a Chinese household where the small wife, Dong-Yung, navigates the complexities of her place between tradition and a yearning for personal autonomy, while her husband, Foh-Kyung, explores new spiritual beliefs. This poignant exploration of cultural contrasts and personal conflict sets the stage for the themes of identity and societal roles that are likely to be recurrent throughout the collection.
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The best short stories of 1922, and the yearbook of the American short story
"The best short stories of 1922, and the yearbook of the American short story" by Edward J. O’Brien is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The anthology gathers notable American magazine fiction alongside a “yearbook” of trends, indexes, and honors, framed by the editor’s critical introduction. It showcases a broad range of styles—from modernist experiments to popular narratives—charting themes of work, family, war, identity, and a shifting national mood. The opening of the volume offers front matter and O’Brien’s introduction, where he warns of “disintegration” in American letters—both the lazy commercial formula and shallow imitation of European avant-gardes—then explains his selection tests of substance and form and his star-based ranking. The fiction begins with The Dark City, a twilight study of a suburban father whose evening routines and gardening yield to a recurring vision of a silent, menacing city; continues with I’m a Fool, a stablehand’s rueful confession after lying about his identity to impress a girl at the races; and follows with The Death of Murdo, in which a Romani chief, newly healed, engineers a fatal test to secure his tribe’s faith in a successor. It then turns to An Unknown Warrior, opening on a lone soldier entering a snow-shrouded Westminster Abbey.
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The best short stories of 1915, and the yearbook of the American short story
"The Best Short Stories of 1915 and the Yearbook of the American Short Story," edited by Edward J. O'Brien, is a collection of notable short fiction written in the early 20th century. This anthology compiles a selection of stories published during that year, celebrating the art and evolution of the American short story form. The book features a variety of authors and styles, highlighting the themes, cultural context, and narrative techniques that define this period in American literature. The opening portion of the anthology begins with a thoughtful introduction by the editor, O'Brien, who emphasizes the importance of the American short story and contrasts it with other literary traditions. O'Brien reflects on the evolving standards of storytelling, the contributions of various authors, and the impact of contemporary events on literature. The first story, "The Water-Hole" by Maxwell Struthers Burt, introduces the character Hardy, who is portrayed as a vivid and adventurous individual that captivates his friends with tales of his diverse experiences. Through a mix of discussions and personal anecdotes, the narrative sets the stage for themes of bravery, conscience, and the complexities of human relationships. This opening grants readers a glimpse into the narrative richness and emotional depth they can expect throughout the collection.
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The best short stories of 1921, and the yearbook of the American short story
"The Best Short Stories of 1921" edited by Edward J. O'Brien is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. This anthology features a range of narratives that highlight notable themes and characters from American literature during that time period. The collection aims to capture the essence of contemporary life through varied storytelling styles and distinctive voices of that era. At the start of this anthology, the opening story, "Brothers" by Sherwood Anderson, sets the tone with a somber narrative about an old man in the countryside who believes he has connections to a murderer in the city. The man, seen as somewhat delusional by the locals, is preoccupied with kinship and relationships, intertwining his narrative with that of a troubled factory foreman who commits a shocking act of violence. The juxtaposition of the old man's yearning for connection and the stark reality of the murder highlights themes of loneliness, identity, and the complexity of human relationships, forming a poignant introduction to the collection's exploration of life in America during this transformative period.
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The best short stories of 1917, and the yearbook of the American short story
"The Best Short Stories of 1917 and The Yearbook of the American Short Story," edited by Edward J. O'Brien, is a collection of short stories compiled during the early 20th century. This anthology presents a selection of the most notable American short fiction published that year, showcasing a variety of voices and styles. The book likely covers themes reflecting the social dynamics and cultural issues of the time, featuring characters that portray different facets of American life, lending insight into the era's narrative trends. The opening of the anthology includes a diverse array of characters and settings. The first story, "The Excursion" by Edwina Stanton Babcock, introduces a whimsical excursion on a steamboat, where Mrs. Tuttle brings along a parrot, sparking gossip and intrigue among the other passengers. The narrative captures the social interactions, vanity, and humorous undercurrents of the gathering. By starting with this tale, the collection sets the tone for exploring the complexities of human relationships and societal norms, suggesting that themes of human folly and social observations will permeate the subsequent stories as well.
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