The best British short stories of 1922

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

9363

Title

The best British short stories of 1922

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Curated by Edward J. O'Brien and John Cournos, this volume presents the finest British short stories of 1922, featuring works by luminaries such as John Galsworthy, Walter de la Mare, and Hugh Walpole. It explores intimate urban realities and exotic adventures, offering a compelling collection that balances refined form with rich content.

Summary up to 500 words

Edited by Edward J. O'Brien and John Cournos, *The Best British Short Stories of 1922* serves as a definitive anthology capturing the breadth of British short fiction during that pivotal year. The volume features contributions from renowned authors including John Galsworthy, Walter de la Mare, Hugh Walpole, and Katherine Mansfield, alongside international voices such as Anton Chekhov and Ivan Bunin. The collection traverses a vast spectrum of themes, ranging from the gritty, realistic depictions of London's East End to fantastical tales of impossible adventure and psychological horror. The editors provide a critical framework for understanding the evolution of the short story form, contrasting writers who focus on the trivialities of everyday urban life with those who embrace grand, romantic themes. In the introduction, O'Brien reflects on the changing nature of storytelling in the age of the printing press, noting the shift from oral tradition to written literature. He debates the merits of two literary schools: one prioritizing perfect form and style over content, and the other demanding rich, exciting narratives regardless of stylistic polish. O'Brien argues that the most successful stories balance both, creating an atmosphere that seduces the reader into inhabiting the writer's world. The anthology includes a selection of stories that exemplify these diverse approaches. Sidney Southgate's "The Dice Thrower" delves into psychological suspense, depicting a terrifying encounter with a supernatural gambler in a train compartment. G.B. Stern's "The Stranger Woman" explores domestic intrigue and the contrast between refined upper-class life and the raw realities of the underworld. Other notable entries include Algernon Blackwood's "The Olive," which touches on the supernatural, and John Galsworthy's "A Hedonist," which examines character and morality. The volume also features Irish authors like Seumas O'Kelly and American translations, broadening the scope of the collection. Beyond the fiction, the book functions as a historical record, containing an extensive list of articles on the short story published in British periodicals from July 1921 to June 1922. This section highlights critical perspectives on contemporary literature and documents the reception of various authors. Ultimately, the compilation stands as both a literary showcase of the era's storytelling prowess and a valuable resource for understanding the literary landscape of early 20th-century Britain.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Short Stories
• English Literature