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15th out of 2,610 books
—
917 voters
Collected Stories
In a literary career spanning more than fifty years, Wallace Stegner created a remarkable record of the history and culture of twentieth-century America. Each of the thirty-one stories contained in this volume embody some of the best virtues and values to be found in contemporary fiction, demonstrating why the author is acclaimed as one of America's master storytellers.
The...more
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Paperback, 576 pages
Published
July 25th 2006
by Penguin Classics
(first published 1990)
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Wally Stegner...sigh...my literary crush.
There are 31 stories in this collection, written over a period of about 50 years. Naturally, the subject matter and quality varies. Stegner himself chose the stories for inclusion, as well as their arrangement in the collection. He clearly knew his best writing, because the better stories are in the first 1/2 to 2/3 of the book.
In the Foreword, Stegner says about the stories:
"I lived them, either as a participant or spectator or auditor, before I made...more
There are 31 stories in this collection, written over a period of about 50 years. Naturally, the subject matter and quality varies. Stegner himself chose the stories for inclusion, as well as their arrangement in the collection. He clearly knew his best writing, because the better stories are in the first 1/2 to 2/3 of the book.
In the Foreword, Stegner says about the stories:
"I lived them, either as a participant or spectator or auditor, before I made...more
Nov 01, 2010
Rachel
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
american-literature,
short-stories
Collected Stories of Wallace Stegner is a large collection of short stories that largely concentrate on the American West in the first half of the 20th century. I’ve read a couple of Wallace Stegner’s novels—Angle of Repose, and Crossing to Safety, which I really responded to, and knew that with this collection I’d be settling in for a few weeks’ appreciative and thoughtful reading. I was also interested by the note at the beginning that let me know that some of this material made it into novels...more
Okay, I didn't really read all of these! I read 3. I really like Stegner's writing--at least for his short stories. His writing is clear, precise, vivid...all those qualities I love in good writing. I loved reading a bit about him, from him, in his introduction too.
This edition at Boise Public Library.
I had to return the book...was out of renewals. Plus I don't have time to read all of them now :( And I just wanted to get a taste of Stegner because I hadn't read any of his work.
This edition at Boise Public Library.
I had to return the book...was out of renewals. Plus I don't have time to read all of them now :( And I just wanted to get a taste of Stegner because I hadn't read any of his work.
I really like Wallace Stegner (even though I haven't ever made it all the way through Angle of Repose...) These stories are terrific, and run the gamut from farm boys to country club tennis. I think good short stories are more fulfilling than novels, and each one of these leaves you with a different taste. His writing is sharp, and I kept finding myself, at the end of each story, thinking, "Wow, that was great writing!" Thanks for the Christmas present, Carly!
I don't think there is anyone better at using metaphor to capture the essence of emotion or experience. There was at least one time in each story when I caught my breath, stopped and reread a phrase that was stunning. For example, in the story Impasse, Stegner speaks in the voice of a father describing his college-aged daughter..."With Margaret along, conversation was too dangerous. She terrorized them; she was like a rodeo cowboy waiting at the gate, ready to burst out on any bewildered steer o...more
For some reason, this volume was a monster. The three stories near the end should have been a novel (Genesis, The Wolfer, Carrion Spring). Reading Stegner's stories is like watching an autopsy: so that's why Big Rock Candy Mountain took the form it did. There are sets of characters in here, particularly Charlie Prescott, Carol, and their associated LA hoodlums of yesteryear, that also could have been novels in their own right. A great intro to Stegner for the uninitiated.
Most brilliant collection of short stories. Stegner has a way of describing a scene that puts the reader right into the story. In the first story, The Traveler, you feel the snow, the cold, and the darkness. The Colt will break your heart. In The City of the Living, you ache for the father's concern over his ill son.
I use the word "fantastic" too much. This book is fantastic, though.
All kinds of short stories from different eras about different topics, yet all of them tap into that raw nerve of human tension that make short stories great. This is my favorite collection of short stories.
All kinds of short stories from different eras about different topics, yet all of them tap into that raw nerve of human tension that make short stories great. This is my favorite collection of short stories.
I adore Wallace Stegner so I was excited to find this rather lengthy collection of short stories. I prefer his novels but these were elegantly crafted works and a great read. If you've read his other works you'll see many "seeds" to his novels in this collection.
My bible. A writer who mirrors life in its many different facets, with precision and clarity like no other. Cuts to the emotional quick in a way that can be breathtaking.
I love, love, love "The Traveler" and "Goin' to Town." I reread the former every now and again just because.
My favorite author at his best. Loved most of his short stories almost as much as my favorite novels.
Though these were well-crafted short essays, they simply don't do Stegner justice. Yes, the magnificent prose is there and he still describes places and moments with such clarity that you can see them in your mind's eye. But the abbreviated length of these essays does not allow for what Stegner does best - rich, complex character and story development with vivid historic and period detail. Read his novels instead.
This book would be great for people new to Stegner. Unfortunately I've read so much, and a lot of the stories are actually chapters from books I've already read, that I found myself a bit frustrated that there weren't many new stories for me to read. I do love Stegner though so I didn't mind reading some of them again.
Often called the 'Dean of Western American Writers', Wallace Stegner http://www.cateweb.org/CA_Authors/Ste... (1909-1993) writings often parallels his own life experiences and family history. This expansive collection of stories was written over a span of fifty years. They encompass a variety of settings ranging from harsh ranch life in Saskatchewan to Salt Lake City, Vermont, Egypt and the Philippines. These Stegner stories focus on people's strength and frailties as they deal with life's trial...more
This will be my next in-between books book. Let's see if this trend works.
Goodreads let me down on this one. I input my reading of this book, wrote a review, and made sure I saved it. I closed down and went away and only today, a couple weeks later, realized I didn't see it on my list. I'll swap out this whine for the real thing when I get around to it. This is an all time favorite.
Something interesting about this volume is that a number of the pieces here are versions of episodes that ended up in "The Big Rock Candy Mountain". I haven't read any of Stegner's other works so I don't know if the other pieces are from other novels or just independent works. There are also a piece or two that look like they could have been in BRCM but didn't make the cut for whatever reason. This makes reading the collection interesting in the sense of seeing a writer's process, but less than...more
There is no story in the collection that I wouldn't re-read
Back in high school, I devoured all of Stegner's work. I think I was always searching for a culture to identify myself with (as are most adolescents) and through Stegner, I stumbled upon "westerner" as a box I could fit into. Like all of my "read-in-high-school" books, I can't in good faith recommend Stegner because I'm pretty sure my high school brain was less sophisticated than my adult one (or at least I hope so), but the man has won many prizes granted by adults. I guess someone else out the...more
I love these stories! Stegner was truly gifted.
My favorite: "Balance His Swing Yours"
These stories really draw you in quickly and the characters are so compelling. Stegner appreciation for nature and the West is obvious. Stegner is really the master story teller. I loved every page. If I had one book to take only one a deserted island this collection of stories would probably be the one book I'd take. Will probably start over and read it again soon.
Stegner is the consummate storyteller. This is a dense book with stories from a wide range of walks of life. Definitely a must read for those who hope to master the craft of short stories as a writer. His stories will immerse you in a world from nearly a hundred years ago while providing insights into human nature that transcend any era or setting.
Loved the rich imagery in this collection and the thread running through which incorporated some of the same characters.
I almost always enjoy Stegner.
That said, I wanted to read the novella, "Genesis", found in this collection. It, and the related stories "The Wolfer" and "Carrion Spring" place you in the primitive old West. Actually in the Canadian old west.
Enjoyable reading.
That said, I wanted to read the novella, "Genesis", found in this collection. It, and the related stories "The Wolfer" and "Carrion Spring" place you in the primitive old West. Actually in the Canadian old west.
Enjoyable reading.
Stegner was a master writer. His stories are well crafted and polished. The majority of his stories are not "action based" but they do create a mood and they do make you think...
Oct 11, 2008
Nicole
marked it as thrown-to-the-side
It's not you, Wallace - it's me.
I got about 3/4 the way through this one and am not entirely sure why I *didn't* finish it. I'll come back to it at some point, I'm sure.
I got about 3/4 the way through this one and am not entirely sure why I *didn't* finish it. I'll come back to it at some point, I'm sure.
I was really surprised to discover how much I liked this writing, considering its often mundane subject matter. Its allure comes from the moody landscapes, I think.
took a while to get into, and then I really liked it.
read this book backpacking in sequoia national park, and it will always remind me of that area...
read this book backpacking in sequoia national park, and it will always remind me of that area...
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Wallace Earle Stegner (February 18, 1909—April 13, 1993) was an American historian, novelist, short story writer, and environmentalist. Some call him "The Dean of Western Writers."
More about Wallace Stegner...
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Dec 21, 2009 08:12am