The best short stories of 1920, and the yearbook of the American short story

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

22091

Title

The best short stories of 1920, and the yearbook of the American short story

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Edited by Edward J. O'Brien, this annual volume curates the finest American short stories published between October 1919 and September 1920. Featuring contributions from renowned authors like Sherwood Anderson and Willa Cather, it offers a comprehensive survey of the era's literary landscape, highlighting diverse voices and significant works that defined the American short story.

Summary up to 500 words

Edited by Edward J. O'Brien, *The Best Short Stories of 1920, and the Yearbook of the American Short Story* serves as a definitive annual record of American literature between October 1919 and September 1920. The volume compiles ninety-two distinctive volumes and numerous individual stories from leading American, English, and foreign authors, functioning as both a critical guide and a historical archive of the era's literary achievements. O'Brien's introduction explores the psychology of the reader, arguing for sincerity in fiction over commercial exploitation. He critiques the industry's tendency to exploit popular writers, noting that authors often repeat successful stories to meet market demands, thereby weakening their substance. O'Brien advocates for a return to the 'quiet sincere man' who possesses a unique vision of human nature, regardless of the magazine's prestige. He emphasizes that the best stories often come from publications that do not loudly proclaim their own greatness. The collection features a critical summary of the best books of 1920, highlighting works by Willa Cather, Sherwood Anderson, and Anzia Yezierska. Notable entries include translations of Russian and Spanish works alongside original American fiction exploring themes of war, social change, and human nature. The volume provides extensive biographical notes on contributors, lists of addresses for American magazines, and comprehensive indexes for stories in books and magazines. It acts as a testament to a period where American writers were forming a national literature based on diverse racial traditions, capturing the lives of ordinary people from the ragman to the bootblack. By documenting the works of over a hundred authors, the book preserves the evolution of the genre during a time of rapid national change.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Short Stories
• American Fiction