Synopses & Reviews
A vibrant journey through the annals of classic American short stories
21 Essential American Short Stories is a collection of beloved stories that have comprised an important part of the fabric of our culture, from the earliest days of our nation to the twentieth century. Some of the stories, such as Washington Irvings “Rip Van Winkle,” O. Henrys “The Gift of the Magi,” William Faulkners “A Rose for Emily,” Charlotte Perkins Gilmans “The Yellow Wallpaper,” and James Thurbers “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” have been long regarded as literary classics, while others, such as Frank Stocktons “The Lady or the Tiger?” and Ellis Parker Butlers “Pigs Is Pigs,” are lesser known but well worth discovering.
The carefully selected stories, each preceded by an illuminating headnote, powerfully illustrate the varied richness of our national literature and history. This beautifully packaged volume, containing the unforgettable classic short stories that evoke our shared American tradition and national identity, makes the perfect gift for the short story aficionado and novice alike.
Review
Praise for 100 Essential American Poems:
“A work that serves as reference, comfort, and a reminder of poetrys significance in the everyday experience of American life, this is a volume worthy of any shelf.”
--Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“One of the most appealing [collections] in a long time is 100 Essential American Poems, which is a refreshing way to learn, or reconnect, with some of the most notable verses in American literature.”
--The Courier-Journal
Review
"If charged with selecting 21 short stories from the copious canon of American short fiction, anyone would cower. Fortunately, Pockell accepted the charge and has provided a thoughtful collection. The collection is arranged chronologically and peppers humor (Ellis Parker Butlers “Pigs Is Pigs,” Ernest Hemingways “The Killers,” and James Thurbers “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”) with sorrow (Herman Melvilles "Bartlelby the Scrivener,” Ambrose Bierces “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge,” and Stephen Cranes “The Blue Hotel”). Twain, Gilman, and Fitzgerald provide further shape. Pockell made shrewd decisions and compiled a collection worthy of its place on the shelf." --
BooklistPraise for 100 Essential American Poems:
“A work that serves as reference, comfort, and a reminder of poetrys significance in the everyday experience of American life, this is a volume worthy of any shelf.”
--Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“One of the most appealing [collections] in a long time is 100 Essential American Poems, which is a refreshing way to learn, or reconnect, with some of the most notable verses in American literature.”
--The Courier-Journal
About the Author
Leslie M. Pockell was an associate publisher at a major publishing house in New York. He compiled several highly acclaimed poetry collections, including the bestselling The 100 Best Poems of All Time.