The American literary tradition has, in a far shorter span of time than others throughout history, achieved a glowing and glittering reputation. From its transatlantic roots it has absorbed the sons and daughters of other cultures, other lands and made them part of her own. America prides itself on liberty, on justice for all and, if you are a wealthy white man, that is essentially true. Sadly, many other segments of society find it difficult to feel or become part of this endeavour. Within this chronological history of the American short story, that prejudice has helped shape the borders of those two endless questions about any anthology. Why that story? Why that author? We made some hard choices.

Within this melting pot of styles, genres and wordplay one fact stands out: The American short story Literary tradition has a strong, vibrant and almost inclusive history, if you know where to look. Which is here.

01 - The American Short Story - A Chronological History - An Introduction - Volume 3

02 - The Facts Concerning the Recent Carnival of Crime In Connecticut by Mark Twain

03 - The Luck of Roaring Camp by Bret Harte

04 - Christmas Eve in War Times by Edward Payson Roe

05 - An Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge by Ambrose Bierce

06 - The Great Good Place by Henry James

07 - Rollo Learning to Read by Robert J Burdette

08 - Since I Died by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps

09 - The Little Room by Madeline Yale Wynne

10 - A White Heron by Sarah Orne Jewett

11 - Desiree's Baby by Kate Chopin

12 - The Tachypomp by Edward Page Mitchell

13 - A New England Nun by Mary E Wilkins Freeman