The Best Short Stories of All Time - Volume 1 Quotes

“How strange and changeful is life! How small a thing is needed to make or ruin us!”
― Jack London, The Best Short Stories of All Time - Volume 1

“there is only one time that is important—Now! It is the most important time because it is the only time when we have any power. The most necessary man is he with whom you are, for no man knows whether he will ever have dealings with any one else: and the most important affair is, to do him good, because for that purpose alone was man sent into this life!”
― Jack London, The Best Short Stories of All Time - Volume 1

“his first masterpiece, Boule de Suif,”
― Jack London, The Best Short Stories of All Time - Volume 1

“he was outcast from life's feast.”
― Jack London, The Best Short Stories of All Time - Volume 1

“Love between man and man is impossible because there must not be sexual intercourse and friendship between man and woman is impossible because there must be sexual intercourse.”
― Jack London, The Best Short Stories of All Time - Volume 1

“His cheekbones also gave his face a harsh character; but there was no harshness in the eyes which, looking at the world from under their tawny eyebrows, gave the impression of a man ever alert to greet a redeeming instinct in others but often disappointed. He lived at a little distance from his body, regarding his own acts with doubtful side-glances. He had an odd autobiographical habit which led him to compose in his mind from time to time a short sentence about himself containing a subject in the third person and a predicate in the past tense. He never gave alms to beggars and walked firmly, carrying a stout hazel.”
― Jack London, The Best Short Stories of All Time - Volume 1

“Aylmer's sombre imagination was not long in rendering the birthmark a frightful object, causing him more trouble and horror than ever Georgiana's beauty, whether of soul or sense, had given him delight.”
― Jack London, The Best Short Stories of All Time - Volume 1

“Georgiana soon learned to shudder at his gaze.”
― Jack London, The Best Short Stories of All Time - Volume 1

“Shocks you, my husband!" cried Georgiana, deeply hurt; at first reddening with momentary anger, but then bursting into tears. "Then why did you take me from my mother's side? You cannot love what shocks you!”
― Jack London, The Best Short Stories of All Time - Volume 1

“Georgiana," said he, "has it never occurred to you that the mark upon your cheek might be removed?" "No, indeed," said she, smiling; but perceiving the seriousness of his manner, she blushed deeply.”
― Jack London, The Best Short Stories of All Time - Volume 1