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.

The American Short Story Collection - A Chronological History – Volume 6 - An Introduction

The American literary tradition has, in a far shorter span of time than others throughout history, achieved a glowing and glittering reputation.

01 - The American Short Story - A Chronological History - An Introduction - Volume 6

02 - Paul's Case by Willa Cather

03 - Rooms by Gertrude Stein

04 - White Bread by Zona Gale

05 - The Stones of the Village by Alice Dunbar Nelson

06 - The Avenger by Edgar Rice Burroughs

07 - To Build a Fire by Jack London

08 - A Jury of Her Peers by Susan Glaspell

09 - Brothers by Sherwood Anderson

10 - Devereux's Last Smoke by Izola Forrester

11 - The Octoroon's Revenge by Ruth D Todd

12 - Guests Unexpected. A Thanksgiving Story by Maude K Griffin

13 - The Defense of Strikerville by Damon Runyon

14 - Breaking the Color Line by Annie McCary