In 1955, with this short story collection, Flannery O’Connor firmly laid claim to her place as one of the most original and provocative writers of her generation. Steeped in a Southern Gothic tradition that would become synonymous with her name, these stories show O’Connor’s unique view of life—infused with religious symbolism, haunted by apocalyptic possibility, sustained by the tragic comedy of human behavior, confronted by the necessity...

A total of 42 stories that chronicle life and death in the South. A total of 42 stories that chronicle life and death in the South. This magisterial collection of short works by Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner reminds readers of his ability to compress his epic vision into narratives as hard and wounding as bullets. Among the 42 selections in this book are such classics as "A Bear Hunt, " "A Rose for Emily, " Two Soldiers, " and "The...

Examines several of the ways in which wishes are made in various parts of the world, including blowing dandelion fluff, tossing coins in water, and tying pieces of cloth to trees.

American journalist and satirist Ambrose Bierce is one of the most famous and fascinating figures in all of American literature. He led an adventurous and eventful life, beginning with his birth in a log cabin, to his time as a Civil War soldier, and followed by his career as an author and journalist, to finally his mysterious disappearance during the Mexican Revolution at age 71. Bierce is perhaps best known for his short stories about the American...

Eleven stories on the vagaries of life. In Why China? a successful stockbroker yearns for the days when he was poor, in Passing the Hat, a wife observing a woman sleep around with men, is shocked to discover her own husband was one of them, while The Watch Trick compares the lives of two army friends, one who settled down, the other who didn't.

Examines the ways in which birthdays are celebrated in various countries around the world.

Set between the end of World War II and 1948, this novel describes the Liang family. China's turbulent political situation had sent Professor Liang to New York City where he extolled the glories of old time China to his four children. James leaves for Peking to practice medicine. Louise marries an American soldier who takes her back to New York. Mary, a teacher and James find contentment in the way of life of the old tradition while bringing education...

Episodes of the doings and foilbles of the Pickwick Club. The book is made up of letters and manuscripts about the club's action.

Biting wit and lush descriptions combine in this striking new edition of Oscar Wilde's short story collection, which contains Wilde's most famous story, "The Canterville Ghost." Originally published in 1887 in the British literary magazine, The Court and Society Review. "Lord Arthur Savile's Crime: A Study of Duty" headlines this anthology, first published in 1891. In addition to the title work, Wilde added "The Canterville Ghost," "The Model Millionaire,"...