Short Shorts: An Anthology of the Shortest Stories

Short Shorts compiles 75 very brief works of fiction from authors across different time periods and cultures. The anthology includes pieces by Franz Kafka, Anton Chekhov, Grace Paley, Jorge Luis Borges, and other notable writers. Each story in the collection can be read in a single sitting, with most ranging from 2-4 pages in length. The Howes organized the anthology into thematic sections including "Love and Memory," "Artists and Writers," and "War and Its Consequences." The selections span multiple genres including realistic fiction, fables, surrealism, and experimental narratives. Many entries originated as published works between 1900-1980, though some date back to earlier periods. The compilation highlights how writers can achieve dramatic impact and complex character development within extreme constraints of length. These concentrated narratives often explore universal themes of identity, loss, and human connection.

Readers value this anthology for introducing them to flash fiction and very short stories from notable authors. Many reviewers mention using it as a teaching resource or for quick reading sessions. Likes: - Strong selection of established writers - Stories can be read in a few minutes - Mix of classic and contemporary works - Useful introduction explaining the short-short form Dislikes: - Some stories feel more like fragments or sketches - Several reviewers note the dated feel of the 1982 collection - A few readers found the academic tone of the introduction overly dry Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (62 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (9 ratings) One reader noted: "Perfect for teaching the art of compression in creative writing classes." Another commented: "Quality varies significantly between selections, but the best ones demonstrate how much can be done in just a few pages."

Flash Fiction International by James Thomas, Robert Shapard, and Christopher Merrill This anthology contains over 80 micro-fiction stories from 50 countries, presenting a spectrum of storytelling styles in under 1,000 words per piece.

Sudden Fiction by Robert Shapard and James Thomas This collection presents 70 stories under 2,000 words each from writers including Raymond Carver, Joyce Carol Oates, and Margaret Atwood.

The World's Shortest Stories by Steve Moss The book contains hundreds of complete stories told in 55 words each, demonstrating the art of micro-narrative across multiple genres.

Palm-of-the-Hand Stories by Yasunari Kawabata These micro-fiction pieces by the Nobel Prize winner present complete narratives in the space of a few pages, focusing on moments of emotional significance.

Microfiction by Jerome Stern This compilation features stories of 250 words or fewer from both established and emerging writers, each delivering a complete narrative arc in minimal space.

🔖 Irving Howe coined the term "short short story" in this 1982 anthology, helping establish it as a distinct literary form 📚 The collection includes works from literary giants like Franz Kafka, Anton Chekhov, and Jorge Luis Borges, demonstrating how master writers can create complete narratives in just a few pages ✍️ Irving Howe was not only an editor and critic but also a prominent democratic socialist intellectual who founded the influential magazine Dissent in 1954 📖 Each story in the anthology is under 2,500 words, proving that powerful emotional impact and complex themes can be achieved in extremely condensed prose 🎯 The book helped pave the way for contemporary flash fiction and micro-fiction movements, which continue to gain popularity in today's digital age