Subject
Short stories, English Books
Best books
M. R. (Montague Rhodes) James
Ghost Stories of an Antiquary
"Ghost Stories of an Antiquary" by M. R. James is a collection of ghost stories published in 1904. This landmark volume contains eight tales of supernatural terror, including the famous "'Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad'" and "Count Magnus." James' stories blend scholarly settings with creeping dread, establishing a distinctive style that would define literary ghost fiction. The collection features illustrations by James McBryde, created shortly before his untimely death. These atmospheric tales have been widely adapted for television and continue to influence the ghost story tradition.
Oscar Wilde
The Happy Prince, and Other Tales
"The Happy Prince, and Other Tales" by Oscar Wilde is a collection of stories published in May 1888. This work contains five tales that blend beauty with moral lessons, exploring themes of sacrifice, selfishness, and compassion. A gilded statue and a devoted swallow give everything to help the poor. A nightingale sacrifices her life for love, only to see it discarded. A giant discovers the cost of his cruelty. Each story reveals how generosity and selflessness transform lives, while also exposing society's blindness to true value.
Unknown
The best British short stories of 1922
"The Best British Short Stories of 1922" by John Cournos et al. is a collection of short stories edited within the early 20th century. The compilation showcases the finest narratives published in British and Irish periodicals during a specific timeframe, preserving notable contributions to the art of the short story from that era. The collection includes a variety of tales that span different themes and styles, reflecting the social and cultural dynamics of the time. The opening of the book presents an introduction by John Cournos, which reveals the thought process behind curating the anthology. He discusses the evolution of the short story form and the challenges it faces in modern literature. He notes that many contemporary narratives often lack sufficient substance and form, and emphasizes the importance of both elements in crafting a compelling story. The introduction sets a contemplative tone as Cournos invites readers to reflect on the nature of storytelling, which continues into the subsequent selections of stories featured in the volume.
Oscar Wilde
Lord Arthur Savile's Crime; The Portrait of Mr. W.H., and Other Stories
"Lord Arthur Savile's Crime; The Portrait of Mr. W.H., and Other Stories" by Oscar Wilde is a collection of short stories published in 1891. The volume blends mystery and dark comedy across tales of fateful predictions, stubborn spirits, and curious secrets. A palm-reader's prophecy sets a nobleman on a darkly comic quest, while an American family faces an exasperated ghost. Other stories explore enigmatic women and unexpected generosity. Wilde crafts witty narratives where supernatural encounters meet social satire, and destiny collides with human nature in surprising ways.
Rudyard Kipling
The Works of Rudyard Kipling: One Volume Edition
"The Works of Rudyard Kipling: One Volume Edition" by Rudyard Kipling is a comprehensive collection of poetry and short stories compiled in the late 19th century. This anthology showcases Kipling's multifaceted exploration of themes such as colonialism, society, and human experience through a variety of narrative styles and forms, from witty ballads to poignant tales. Readers can expect to encounter a vivid reflection of life in British India, filled with memorable characters, cultural critiques, and a unique lens on the relationships between colonizers and the indigenous peoples. The opening of this volume introduces several verses that set the tone for Kipling's satirical and keen observations of bureaucracy and colonial life. Through the first pieces, such as "Departmental Ditties," Kipling humorously depicts the absurdities of administrative work and the characters inhabiting this world, like Ahasuerus Jenkins, who whimsically navigates his role within a military setting. The expose reveals the ironies and inconsistencies of the British imperial administration. Each poem invites readers to engage with Kipling's insightful portrayal of the complexities of human nature and societal structures, hinting at the larger themes that will unfold throughout the collection.
Rudyard Kipling
Life's Handicap: Being Stories of Mine Own People
"Life's Handicap: Being Stories of Mine Own People" by Rudyard Kipling is a collection of stories written in the early 20th century. The book explores themes of life, death, love, and human fate as experienced by the diverse inhabitants of British India, focusing on their complex interactions and cultural richness. At the start of the book, readers are introduced to the Chubara of Dhunni Bhagat, a monastery in Northern India populated by wandering mendicants and holy men of different faiths. The narrator, presumably Kipling himself, recounts a conversation with Gobind, a one-eyed holy man who shares stories and insights about life. Their dialogue touches upon the art of storytelling, cultural differences, and the essence of truth in tales. Gobind's discussions not only reveal the wisdom of the old man but also set the stage for the collection’s narratives, which draw from various characters across the spectrum of Indian society, showcasing their struggles and experiences in a rapidly changing world.
E. M. (Edward Morgan) Forster
The eternal moment, and other stories
"The Eternal Moment and Other Stories" by E. M. Forster is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The opening story, "The Machine Stops," explores a dystopian future where humanity lives underground, wholly dependent on a vast Machine that caters to their needs while isolating them from the natural world. The protagonist, Vashti, engages in dispassionate communication with her son, Kuno, who challenges her to reconnect with the outside world but is met with resistance. The opening of the book introduces us to a suffocating society where human interaction is mediated through technology, exemplified by Vashti's routine life filled with lectures and social exchanges that lack genuine connection. As her son Kuno yearns to experience the surface of the Earth and rejects the comforts of the Machine, the story begins to unfold themes of personal freedom, the importance of direct experience, and the dangers of overreliance on technology. This tension between mother and son sets the stage for a deeper reflection on the essence of humanity and existence beyond mechanical confines, hinting at the perilous consequences of an overly mechanized and disconnected society.
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
Tales and Stories Now First Collected
"Tales and Stories" by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The volume brings together her lesser-known narratives, showcasing her distinctive voice and imaginative style. While many readers may be familiar with her iconic novel "Frankenstein," this collection aims to reveal Shelley's versatility as a storyteller, exploring themes of love, loss, and the human experience through various characters and settings. At the start of the collection, the introduction delves into Mary Shelley's literary reputation, suggesting it is often overshadowed by her husband Percy Bysshe Shelley’s fame. It highlights her creative journey and the blend of personal experiences within her writing. Following this, the opening story, "The Sisters of Albano," unfolds a poignant narrative about two sisters, Maria and Anina, who are deeply affected by societal expectations and family tragedy. Their tale, shaped by love and sacrifice amidst the backdrop of romantic Italy, introduces readers to the emotional depth and dramatic circumstances that will permeate the subsequent stories in the collection.
Saki
Beasts and Super-Beasts
"Beasts and Super-Beasts" by Saki is a collection of short stories published in 1914. This volume showcases Saki's signature cynicism and wry humor through tales that largely feature animals, including the frequently anthologized "The Open Window." Several stories feature the recurring character Clovis Sangrail. As Saki's final collection before his death in World War I, the work displays the simple language and sardonic wit that defined his literary style, parodying George Bernard Shaw's title while delivering sharp social commentary.
Stacy Aumonier
The friends, and other stories
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H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
The Stolen Bacillus and Other Incidents
"The Stolen Bacillus and Other Incidents" by H. G. Wells is a collection of fifteen short stories written between 1893 and 1895. Published in 1895 as Wells's first short story collection, these fantasy and science fiction tales explore strange orchids, mysterious bacilli, diamond makers, and exotic islands. Each story presents curious incidents where the ordinary collides with the extraordinary. From laboratories to observatories, from burglaries to taxidermists, Wells crafts brief glimpses into worlds where scientific marvels and human ambitions intersect in unexpected ways.
Virginia Woolf
Mrs Dalloway in Bond Street
"Mrs Dalloway in Bond Street" by Virginia Woolf is a short story written in the early 20th century. This piece follows the character Clarissa Dalloway as she navigates the streets of London, reflecting on life, society, and her place within it. The story encapsulates themes of memory, identity, and the passage of time, highlighting Woolf's signature stream-of-consciousness style. In the narrative, Mrs. Dalloway embarks on an outing to buy gloves, but her journey becomes much more than a simple shopping trip. As she walks through the city, she ruminates on her childhood, the people she encounters, and the contrasts between her own life and the lives of others. The story immerses readers in her thoughts, revealing her contemplations about loss, societal expectations, and connection. Through her interactions and reflections, Woolf paints a vibrant portrait of early 20th-century London while exploring the profound complexities of human experience and emotion.
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