The Dimensions of the Short Story: A Critical Anthology

by James E. Miller Jr.

598 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1981

Reviews

[Jean Carlton]

The stories themselves are a great collection arranged in chronological order (date published) indicating the history of the genre and the evolution of the short story as a conscious literary form. The the word 'Critical' in the title makes this anthology so much more than a collection of stories. The sections discussing techniques (point of view, style etc) and concepts such as theme, atmosphere and allegory inform my reading and enjoyment of short stories and provide food for thought in my own work. No final definition of a short story has 'stuck' but all seem to agree that it is NOT just a story with fewer words than a novel.
The various and evolving viewpoints on this are a must read for readers and writers of short stories. This is a reference book that will stay on my shelf.