Prize Stories 1991

The O. Henry Prize Stories 1991 collects 20 of the best short stories of the year, selected from thousands published in literary magazines. “The Sandstone Farmhouse” by John Updike, which tells of a difficult relationship of a son and his mother over 50 years, takes the coveted top prize. The other stories in this collection are:

Joyce Carol Oates “The Swimmers”
Sharon Sheehe Stark “Overland”
Martha Lacy Hall “The Apple-Green Triumph”
Wayne Johnson “Hippies, Indians, Buffalo”
Perri Klass “For Women Everywhere”
Helen Norris “Raisin Faces”
Patricia Lear “Powwow”
Charles Baxter “Saul and Patsy Are Pregnant”
Sylvia A. Watanabe “Talking to the Dead”
T. Alan Broughton “Ashes”
Diane Levenberg “The Ilui”
Ursula K. Le Guin “Hand, Cup, Shell”
Alice Adams “Earthquake Damage”
Charlotte Zoë Walker “The Very Pineapple”
Ronald Sukenick “Ecco”
Dennis McFarland “Nothing to Ask For”
Millicent Dillon “Oil and Water”
Marly Swick “Moscow Nights”
Thomas Fox Averill “During the Twelfth Summer of Elmer D. Peterson”

“This collection is both meritorious and diverse. The work ranges from plainly written stories brimming with resonant significance to full-blown extravaganzas. . . . Recommended.”—Library Journal

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs