The Facts on File Companion to the American Short Story Set

Engaging and jargon-free, with contributions from a team of scholars, The Facts On File Companion to the American Short Story, Second Edition is the only reference to analyze the genre as a whole. This updated edition to the award-winning original adds hundreds of new entries and more than 100,000 words, providing explanations of major critical controversies and ways to broaden the reader's interpretation of a short story. Entries new to this edition cover younger writers (such as David Foster Wallace, Dave Eggers, and Junot D az) and many short stories, from the canonical ("The Killers" by Ernest Hemingway and "There Will Come Soft Rains" by Ray Bradbury) to the cutting-edge ("Sea Oak" by George Saunders). Now available in two volumes, this accessible encyclopedia features an informative introduction that surveys the history of the short story in the United States, interprets the current literary landscape, and points to new and future trends. A bibliography, list of prize-winners, thematic index, and cross-references complete this invaluable guide. Engaging and jargon-free, with contributions from a team of scholars, The Facts On File Companion to the American Short Story, Second Edition is the only reference to analyze the genre as a whole. This updated edition to the award-winning original adds hundreds of new entries and more than 100,000 words, providing explanations of major critical controversies and ways to broaden the reader's interpretation of a short story. Entries new to this edition cover younger writers (such as David Foster Wallace, Dave Eggers, and Junot Díaz) and many short stories, from the canonical ("The Killers" by Ernest Hemingway and "There Will Come Soft Rains" by Ray Bradbury) to the cutting-edge ("Sea Oak" by George Saunders). Now available in two volumes, this accessible encyclopedia features an informative introduction that surveys the history of the short story in the United States, interprets the current literary landscape, and points to new and future trends. A bibliography, list of prize-winners, thematic index, and cross-references complete this invaluable guide. - Publisher. Since the first American short story was published in 1799, interest in the genre has continued to grow. Sales of collections have risen over the years, short story readings proliferate in bookstores, and these works have been increasingly incorporated within college courses. The Facts On File Companion to the American Short Story is an encyclopedic resource to all aspects of this literary art form. Engaging and jargonfree, with contributions from a team of scholars, The Facts On File Companion to the American Short Story is the only reference book that analyzes the genre as a whole. With more than 675 entries in AtoZ format, it provides explanations of major critical controversies and ways to broaden the reader's interpretation of a short story. Scholars and students of various levels will find it invaluable; its bibliographies and cross references will expand further research possibilities; its definitions of literary terms contribute to more informed reading. Cover......Page 1 Contents......Page 4 Acknowledgments......Page 6 Preface to the Second Edition......Page 8 Introduction......Page 10 A......Page 18 B......Page 69 C......Page 129 D......Page 177 E......Page 224 F......Page 253 G......Page 279 H......Page 316 I......Page 359 J......Page 378 K......Page 393 L......Page 405 M......Page 448 N......Page 489 O......Page 508 P......Page 528 Q......Page 565 R......Page 566 S......Page 589 T......Page 650 U......Page 676 V......Page 685 W......Page 693 X......Page 729 Y......Page 731 Z......Page 742 Appendix I: Winners of Selected Short Story Prizes......Page 744 Appendix II: Suggested Readings by Theme and Topic......Page 803 Appendix III: Selected Bibliography......Page 818 List of Contributors......Page 822 Index......Page 824 Contains hundreds of alphabetically arranged entries that provide information about various aspects of the American short story, providing biographies of authors from the United States and Canada; story synopses and analyses; character profiles; definitions of literary terms, themes, and motifs; discussion of historical events; and lists of award winners Focuses on drama, short stories, novels, and poetry as they are studied in school and college curricula. Beginning with an introduction discussing the genre and its significance, this title contains more than hundred entries on authors, literary works and terms, themes, and historical places. This Encyclopedia Features An Informative Introduction That Surveys The History Of The Short Story In The United States, Interprets The Current Literary Landscape, And Points To New And Future Trends. --from Publisher Description. Vol. 1. Preface to the second edition Introduction A to L entries v. 2. M to Z entries Appendix I: Winners of selected short story prizes Appendix II: Suggested readings by theme and topic Appendix III: Selected bibliography