The Story and Its Writer: An Introduction to Short Fiction: Compact Seventh Edition

by Ann Charters

During her many years of teaching introduction to fiction courses, Ann Charters developed an acute sense of which stories work most effectively in the classroom. She also discovered that writers, not editors, have the most interesting and useful things to say about the making and the meaning of fiction. Accordingly, her choice of fiction in the first edition of her The Story and Its Writer was as notable for its student appeal as it was for its quality and range. And to complement these stories, she introduced a lasting innovation: an array of the writers' own commentaries on the craft and traditions of the short story. In subsequent editions her sense of what works was confirmed as the book evolved into the most comprehensive, diverse-- and bestselling -- introduction to fiction anthology. Instructors rely on Ann Charters' ability to assemble an authoritative and teachable anthology, and anticipate each edition's selection of new writers and stories.

Genres: Short Stories, Nonfiction, Writing, School, Anthologies

1152 pages, Paperback

Published May 23, 2006

Reviews

[kelley]

I read this book because It's been a long time since I was in school and needed a refresher course on how to write a short story. This is my son's college text book. I found it helpful and informative with just two short chapters on what elements are found in a short story. The rest of the 1069 pages of this book are short story selections and notes about the authors. I did not read the entire book. But I did read a number of the stories. It's been kind of fun reading a little story here and there instead of a novel. I think I'll leave this book sitting by my chair, so when I feel like reading but don't have time to spend with a novel--I'll read another story.

[Chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the way of textbooks this one is really incredible. It has a truly great collection of short stories, and yes, there are fewer than the full edition, but it is almost more essential as a result. They have narrowed it down to the most key and often used. Every story I have read from this so far has been really gifted writing. The supplemental materials in the book are also at times interesting. Mostly, I really just recommend the book for the quality of short stories collected herein.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many of these short stories before, but my favorite this time around was James Joyce's "The Dead." I cant believe after all these years of education, I had never read this short story before. It was amazing.

I also liked the commentary at the end of the book that included critiques of works within the book, essays by authors, writing/reading advice and so much more.

[Maki · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite book that I read in College for English class. I loved all of the short stories in this book.

[Grace Dyck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love short stories so this is a real treat.

[Victoria Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Serves its purpose well.

[Alexandra]

Read parts for Lit class.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Definitely not my favorite anthology of all time.

[Peter Wolfley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent collection of short stories. It has shown me the light. It has convinced me that it is OK to read modern literature.

[Skeeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Through reading the short stories, yes for an English Comp class, I can know say I have read Ernest Hemingway!

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great collection of short stories!

[Roze Albina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

[Christy Sifakis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book for a class in college. It's one of my favorites! It's filled with wonderful short stories, that are intriguing and entertaining. I highly recommend this book!