The Best American Short Stories of the Century

The Best American Short Stories of the Century compiles 55 works of short fiction originally published in The Best American Short Stories series between 1915 and 1999. John Updike, serving as guest editor, selected these stories from over 2,000 works that appeared in the annual collections. The anthology presents stories from major American writers including Ernest Hemingway, William Faulkner, John Cheever, and Joyce Carol Oates. Each decade of the 20th century is represented, offering perspectives on American life from World War I through the cultural shifts of the 1960s and beyond. The collection spans multiple genres and styles, from realistic portraits of small-town life to experimental narratives that pushed literary boundaries. Stories take place across America's diverse landscapes - from urban centers to rural communities, from the Deep South to New England. These selections trace the evolution of the American short story while exploring universal themes of identity, belonging, and the complexities of human relationships. The works reflect both their specific historical moments and timeless aspects of the American experience.

Readers note this anthology captures defining American short fiction from the 1900s, though some question whether these are truly "the best" stories. Readers appreciated: - Mix of famous and lesser-known writers - Stories arranged chronologically to show evolution of the form - Detailed biographical notes providing context - Coverage of diverse American experiences and perspectives - Inclusion of both experimental and traditional narratives Common criticisms: - Too many stories about New England academics and writers - Under-representation of minority and women authors - Some selections feel dated or overly academic - Notable omissions like Kurt Vonnegut and Raymond Carver One reader called it "an excellent starting point for exploring 20th century fiction," while another noted it "leans heavily toward New Yorker-style stories." Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (90+ reviews) LibraryThing: 4.1/5 (400+ ratings) Most reviews recommend it as a solid collection despite its limitations in representation.

The Art of the Short Story by Dana Gioia and R.S. Gwynn This anthology spans two centuries of short fiction and pairs each story with an essay by its author explaining the craft behind the work.

The Vintage Book of Contemporary American Short Stories by Tobias Wolff (Editor) The collection presents American short fiction from 1970-1990, capturing a pivotal era in American literature through stories by both established masters and emerging voices.

The Oxford Book of American Short Stories by Joyce Carol Oates This compilation traces the evolution of American short fiction from its origins to modern times, featuring works from Edgar Allan Poe through contemporary writers.

You've Got to Read This by Ron Hansen and Jim Shepard Contemporary authors select and introduce the short stories that influenced their own writing, providing insight into the craft's development and impact.

The Story and Its Writer by Ann Charters This comprehensive anthology pairs classic and contemporary short fiction with commentary from writers and critics about the art of short story writing.

🔖 John Updike personally read over 2,000 stories while compiling this anthology, reviewing every Best American Short Stories volume since 1915 📚 The collection includes Ernest Hemingway's "The Killers," which was first published in Scribner's Magazine in 1927 and became one of his most influential works ✍️ Though titled "of the Century," the anthology only covers 1915-1999, as the Best American Short Stories series didn't begin until 1915 🏆 The book features work from six different writers who won the Nobel Prize in Literature: William Faulkner, Ernest Hemingway, John Steinbeck, Saul Bellow, Isaac Bashevis Singer, and Nadine Gordimer 📖 Despite being co-edited by Katrina Kenison, who served as the series editor for Best American Short Stories from 1990-2006, Updike had final say on all selections and intentionally excluded some famous stories to make room for lesser-known gems