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Short stories, American -- Periodicals Books
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O. Henry Memorial Award prize stories of 1927
"O. Henry Memorial Award prize stories of 1927" by Society of Arts and Sciences et al. is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The volume assembles prize-selected American magazine fiction with an editorial introduction that explains the judging process and spotlights trends and standouts. Expect a broad mix of realist, urban, war, folk, and regional tales—including pieces like The Killers and The Scarlet Woman—alongside commentary that frames their themes and craft. The opening of the anthology presents acknowledgments, a contents list, and Blanche Colton Williams’s introduction detailing the judges, how hundreds of stories were narrowed to the final fifteen, and which entries won top honors (Child of God first, The Killers second, The Scarlet Woman as best short short). Williams surveys themes—especially depictions of Black life, terse realism, and vivid settings—and supplies extensive ranked lists of notable stories and magazines. The first selection then begins: in Child of God, Willie Malone, a Black man condemned for killing a white landowner after a dispute over hogs, faces his hanging with calm faith, friendly banter with the jailer, and a desire to make a final speech; after the trap drops, he imagines a lavish heavenly journey (Gabriel’s trumpet, St. Peter, Little David’s harp, a kindly scarred angel) and tells the Great Lord God he was denied his speech, whereupon he’s sent back to the jail to deliver it—unseen as officials settle paperwork and the scene cuts off.
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O. Henry Memorial Award Prize Stories of 1921
"O. Henry Memorial Award Prize Stories of 1921" by the Society of Arts and Sciences is a collection of short stories compiled in the early 20th century. The anthology features works that have been recognized for excellence in American short fiction, highlighting a diverse range of narratives from various authors. Thematically, the collection is likely to explore human experiences, societal complexities, and moral dilemmas, as illustrated through compelling characters and engaging plots. At the start of the collection, the opening story "The Heart of Little Shikara" introduces readers to a young boy named Little Shikara, who is captivated by a revered hunter named Warwick Sahib in the backdrop of a lush, perilous jungle. As Shikara awaits Warwick's return from a hunt, his admiration for the man grows, showcasing his aspirations to become a tiger hunter himself. The narrative vividly portrays Shikara’s childlike wonder and determination, weaving in themes of hero worship and the intertwined fates of man and nature, particularly as tensions escalate between humans and the lurking dangers of the jungle. The rich descriptions and the boy’s adventures promise an intriguing exploration of courage and fantasy against the stark realities of the wild.
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O. Henry memorial award prize stories of 1923
"O. Henry Memorial Award Prize Stories of 1923" by the Society of Arts and Sciences et al. is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. This anthology presents some of the finest narratives published during that year, showcasing a variety of themes and styles from different authors. The stories explore human emotions, societal issues, and the intricacies of life, aiming to highlight the best of American fiction at that time. The opening of the collection introduces readers to the context and purpose behind the awarded stories, emphasizing the committee's dedication to selecting pieces that meet their standards of excellence. Through the introduction, the reader gains insight into the criteria used to evaluate contenders, showcasing a commitment to storytelling that transcends ordinary boundaries. The first narrative told is about Selina Jo Hudsill, a girl dealing with her challenging upbringing and looking to break free from her family's low societal standing. Her struggle to create a better life for herself and the hurdles she faces reflect a deeper commentary on societal class and personal aspiration, setting a poignant tone that resonates throughout the anthology.
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O. Henry Memorial Award Prize Stories of 1919
"O. Henry Memorial Award Prize Stories of 1919" by the Society of Arts and Sciences et al. is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. This anthology gathers narratives from various authors, selected and compiled to honor the legacy of the famed storyteller O. Henry, showcasing themes of realism, human emotion, and the intricacies of social interactions. The opening of this volume provides insight into the establishment of the O. Henry Memorial Award by The Society of Arts and Sciences as a tribute to O. Henry's literary contributions. It chronicles the deliberations of the Committee of Award and their criteria for selecting the best stories published in 1919. The accompanying introduction highlights the narratives included in the collection, emphasizing various themes such as the exploration of American life post-World War I, the enduring impact of personal loss, and the dynamics of social relationships, as exemplified by the first prize story, "England to America" by Margaret Prescott Montague. This initial story features a young American lieutenant, Skipworth Cary, navigating the complexities of English customs while grappling with his feelings of isolation among the Sherwood family, ultimately leading to poignant reflections on friendship and loss.
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O. Henry Memorial Award Prize Stories of 1920
"O. Henry Memorial Award Prize Stories of 1920" is a collection of short stories selected by the Society of Arts and Sciences, reflecting the literary landscape of early 20th century America. This anthology features works that exemplify the best in American fiction from a specific year, capturing a diverse array of themes, styles, and characters that resonate with the complexity of human experience. The opening portion of the anthology introduces the context of the O. Henry Memorial Award, detailing its founding and the criteria for selecting winning stories. It highlights the significance of recognizing achievements in American storytelling and the rich variety of themes across the selected pieces. Specifically, the introductory section emphasizes the intertwined nature of fiction with the larger fabric of society and culture, suggesting that these stories not only reflect personal narratives but also the collective American consciousness of the time. Multiple stories, including "Each in His Generation" and "Contact!", are mentioned, hinting at themes of generational conflict, love, and societal expectations, although the detailed summaries of these narratives are yet to unfold in the rest of the collection.
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The Black Cat, Vol. I, No. 6, March 1896
"The Black Cat, Vol. I, No. 6, March 1896" is a collection of original short stories published during the late 19th century. This edition features a series of captivating narratives, including "Eleanor Stevens' Will," which introduces a unique premise surrounding an eccentric heiress and the mystery of her will that promises substantial legacies to her rejected suitors. The stories are characterized by themes of love, mystery, and human behavior, making them particularly intriguing for readers who enjoy literary explorations of social dynamics. The opening of the collection showcases "Eleanor Stevens' Will," which captivates the reader with the peculiar circumstances surrounding the titular character, Eleanor Stevens, an heiress known for her eccentricities. Following her enigmatic death, society becomes obsessed with the terms of her will, which promises to reward her rejected suitors. As the story unfolds, the lawyer handling the estate finds himself entangled in the intrigue of potential claimants—all drawn by a mix of curiosity and greed. This setup not only highlights the characters' motivations but also sets the stage for a compelling commentary on love and societal expectations, engaging readers in the unfolding drama of human relationships and unfulfilled desires.
Various
The Black Cat, Vol. I, No. 7, April 1896
"The Black Cat, Vol. I, No. 7, April 1896" by Various is a collection of original short stories written in the late 19th century. This publication features a variety of narratives, including mystery, romance, and humor, typical of the era's fascination with sensational storytelling. The opening portion introduces multiple stories, suggesting a rich diversity of themes and styles that will appeal to readers of various tastes. The opening of the magazine highlights several short stories, including "The Mystery of the Thirty Millions," which narrates the dramatic events surrounding the ocean liner "Oklahoma" and its mysterious cargo of gold and prominent passengers. As the ship encounters strange currents, suspense builds around the fate of its passengers and the potentially nefarious intentions of a notorious criminal. Additionally, other stories teased in this issue promise a mix of adventurous and thought-provoking scenarios, ranging from romance to intriguing character studies. The reader is drawn in by an engaging introduction that hints at thrilling narratives to be explored.
Various
The Black Cat, Vol. I, No. 5, February 1896
"The Black Cat, Vol. I, No. 5, February 1896" by Various is a collection of original short stories written in the late 19th century. This issue features a range of narratives that explore various themes and genres, including mystery, romance, and drama. The opening story introduces a compelling plot centered on Richard Burwell, who finds himself embroiled in a mysterious situation after receiving an enigmatic card from a beautiful woman in Paris, setting the stage for intrigue and tension. At the start of the collection, the story "The Mysterious Card" unfolds with Richard Burwell visiting Paris while his wife and daughter are in London. Stricken by loneliness, he visits the Folies Bergère and is captivated when a stunning woman discreetly leaves a card on his table. Unable to understand its French words, Burwell finds himself entangled in trouble as hotel managers react with alarm upon reading the card. Seeking the card's meaning leads to escalating consequences, including a harrowing encounter with local authorities that ultimately disrupts his life entirely. The gripping setup hints at themes of deception, social protocol, and the dire repercussions of seemingly innocuous decisions, making it a tantalizing read for fans of suspenseful narratives.
Various
The Black Cat (Vol. I, No. 1, October 1895)
"The Black Cat (Vol. I, No. 1, October 1895)" by Various is a fiction magazine launched in 1895. This pioneering publication revolutionized American short story publishing by selling for just five cents and championing unknown writers over established names. Editor Herman Umbstaetter ran story contests to discover fresh talent, launching careers of literary giants like Jack London and O. Henry. The magazine's immediate success, including selling out 100,000 copies of its first issue, made it a cultural phenomenon that transformed how American fiction reached readers.
Various
The Black Cat (Vol. I, No. 2, November 1895)
"The Black Cat (Vol. I, No. 2, November 1895)" is a collection of original short stories published in the late 19th century. This monthly magazine features a variety of narratives from different authors, and the opening portion includes tales exploring themes of love, identity, adventure, and suspense, showcasing the literary diversity of the period. At the start of the collection, the story "A Calaveras Hold-Up" introduces us to Billy Owen, a man lying in wait near the Calaveras foothills, preparing to rob a stagecoach while reminiscing about his life, his romantic feelings for Rudy Field, and his past adventures. Meanwhile, memories flash through his mind, revealing a contrast between his thug-like past and his affection for Rudy, a girl untouched by his dangerous lifestyle. The gripping tension is set as the stagecoach approaches, hinting at a pivotal confrontation between his past and the love he cherishes.
Various
The black cat (vol. I, no. 3, December 1895)
"The Black Cat (Vol. I, No. 3, December 1895)" by Various is a collection of original short stories written in the late 19th century. This issue features several tales exploring themes of adventure, mystery, and the human experience, showcasing various authors including Barnes MacGreggor, René Bache, and Roberta Littlehale. The narratives delve into the complexities of human emotions, encounters with the extraordinary, and moral dilemmas, making it a rich exploration of storytelling in its era. The opening of the magazine begins with "The Great Star Ruby," which transports readers to the excitement of Melbourne Cup Day, where three men at a club engage in lively conversation about the day’s events. As they share anecdotes, a mysterious stranger joins them, revealing his longing to have attended the grand occasion. He entices the group with a tale involving a valuable ruby and the unexpected adventures that stem from it, including a daring encounter with a drowning man and the fallout of encountering thieves. This lively interaction and riveting story-telling set the tone for the rest of the collection, drawing readers into a captivating escapade rooted in the thrill of life and the pursuit of fortune.
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