Short Story Masterpieces

A truly exceptional collection of thirty-five great stories from some of the most celebrated writers of the first half of the twentieth century

Short stories can be funny, pathetic, frightening, uplifting, nostalgic, beautiful—and it is just this variety that makes them the popular and satisfying reading they are. Here are thirty-five of the best stories by British and American writers in the first half of the twentieth century, in an outstanding anthology that ranges in kind from the humor of James Thurber and Ring Lardner to the irony of Ernest Hemingway and James Joyce.

Each story is different from every other—but each bears the stamp of unmistakable greatness, including:

• “The Bride Comes to Yellow Sky” by Stephen Crane
• “The Horse Dealer’s Daughter” by D. H. Lawrence
• “Barn Burning” by William Faulkner
• “The Sojourner” by Carson McCullers
• “The Open Window” by Saki
• “Flowering Judas” by Katherine Anne Porter
• “The Boarding House” by James Joyce
• “Soldier’s Home” by Ernest Hemingway
• “The Tree of Knowledge” by Henry James
• “Why I Live at the P.O.” by Eudora Welty

Editors Robert Penn Warren and Albert Erskine selected stories that broke new ground and challenged the imagination with their style, subject matter, or tone: the unforgettable, enduring works that shaped the literature of our time.

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