The Short-Story

A collection of critical essays and representative tales, likely written in the early 20th century. This work serves both as an analytical guide on the art and evolution of the short story as a literary form and a curated anthology of notable examples from various American authors. Included within are stories from Washington Irving, Edgar Allan Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and others, each illustrating the richness and diversity of the short story genre, while also offering insight into the techniques and structures that define it. At the start of the book, Atkinson discusses the historical development of storytelling and its importance across cultures and time periods, leading to the establishment of the short story as a distinct literary form. He reflects on the contributions of major American writers, emphasizing how they shaped the genre through their unique narratives, thematic explorations, and increasingly sophisticated techniques. This introductory section sets the stage for a deeper understanding of the selected stories, blending literary analysis with character and plot development in a way that appeals to both scholars and casual readers alike.