The American literary tradition has, in a far shorter span of time than others throughout history, achieved a glowing and glittering reputation. From its transatlantic roots it has absorbed the sons and daughters of other cultures, other lands and made them part of her own. America prides itself on liberty, on justice for all and, if you are a wealthy white man, that is essentially true. Sadly, many other segments of society find it difficult to feel or become part of this endeavour. Within this chronological history of the American short story, that prejudice has helped shape the borders of those two endless questions about any anthology. Why that story? Why that author? We made some hard choices.

Within this melting pot of styles, genres and wordplay one fact stands out: The American short story Literary tradition has a strong, vibrant and almost inclusive history, if you know where to look. Which is here.

01 - The American Short Story - A Chronological History - An Introduction - Volume 5

02 - The Repairer of Reputations Part 1 by Robert W Chambers

03 - The Repairer of Reputations Part 2 by Robert W Chambers

04 - The Readjustment by Mary Austin

05 - The Strange Looking Man by Fanny Kemble Johnson

06 - Ariel's Triumph by Booth Tarkington

07 - The Preacher at Hill Station by Katherine Davis Chapman Tillman

08 - The Great Slave by Zane Grey

09 - The Open Boat by Stephen Crane

10 - The Spirit of the Range by B M Bower

11 - The Wooing of Pastor Cummings by Georgia F Stewart

12 - The Scapegoat by Paul Laurence Dunbar

13 - The Difference by Ellen Glasgow