The incomparable John Updike selects the 55 finest short stories from America's bestselling anthology, published since 1915.

Reproduction of the original.

Immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of American literature with "Stories by American Authors, Volume 5," a captivating anthology featuring a diverse array of voices and perspectives from some of the nation's most talented writers. Explore the breadth and depth of the American literary tradition as you journey through the pages of this anthology, which showcases the talent and creativity of authors from across the country. From timeless classics to contemporary gems, each story offers a unique glimpse into the American experience. Themes of identity, belonging, and the human condition are expertly woven throughout the anthology, inviting readers to reflect on the complexities of life in America. Whether exploring the struggles of marginalized communities or celebrating the triumphs of the human spirit, these stories resonate with honesty, authenticity, and compassion. Character analysis delves deep into the hearts and minds of the anthology's protagonists, offering insights into their hopes, fears, and aspirations. From the disenfranchised to the privileged, each character is rendered with depth and nuance, inviting readers to empathize with their struggles and celebrate their triumphs. The overall tone and mood of "Stories by American Authors, Volume 5" are both diverse and dynamic, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the American experience. From heartwarming tales of love and friendship to chilling accounts of betrayal and revenge, each story captivates and enthralls in its own unique way. Since its publication, "Stories by American Authors, Volume 5" has earned widespread acclaim for its rich storytelling and diverse representation. Its ability to capture the essence of the American spirit and celebrate the nation's rich cultural tapestry has made it a beloved classic for readers of all ages. Whether you're a longtime aficionado of American literature or a newcomer eager to explore its vast terrain, "Stories by American Authors, Volume 5" promises to delight and inspire. Join the ranks of those who have been enchanted by the nation's most talented storytellers and discover the magic of this extraordinary anthology. Don't miss your chance to experience the beauty and brilliance of "Stories by American Authors, Volume 5." Grab your copy today and embark on a literary journey through the heart and soul of America.

"This is a wonderful collection of authors from America and around the world. Centuries are covered, making this a great resource for English teachers and any lover of literature." — Life Community Church This treasury of one hundred tales offers students and other readers of short fiction a splendid selection of stories by masters of the form. Contributors from around the world include Edgar Allan Poe, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Guy de Maupassant, Charles Dickens, Anton Chekhov, Mark Twain, Saki, Luigi Pirandello, Kate Chopin, and Ring Lardner. The stories, which are arranged chronologically, begin with tales by Daniel Defoe ("The Apparition of Mrs. Veal," 1705), Benjamin Franklin ("Alice Addertongue," 1732), and Washington Irving ("The Devil and Tom Walker," 1824). Highlights from the nineteenth century include Ivan Turgenev's "The District Doctor" (1852), Sarah Orne Jewett's "A White Heron" (1886), Thomas Hardy's "Squire Petrick's Lady" (1891), and Rudyard Kipling's "Wee Willie Winkie" (1899). From the twentieth century come James Joyce's "Araby" (1914), Franz Kafka's "The Judgment" (1916), Virginia Woolf's "The Mark on the Wall" (1921), "The Broken Boot" (1923) by John Galsworthy, and many others. "A fabulous collections of stories sure to please any reader! The chronological layout is perfect for those looking to explore the development of stories over time and their relation to society." — Whitchurch-Stouffville Public Library

Best Book of the Year Real Simple • AARP • USA Today • NPR • Virginia Living Longlisted for the 2022 Booker Prize From the Man Booker finalist and bestselling author of We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves comes an epic and intimate novel about the family behind one of the most infamous figures in American history: John Wilkes Booth. In 1822, a secret family moves into a secret cabin some thirty miles northeast of Baltimore, to farm, to hide, and to bear ten children over the course of the next sixteen years. Junius Booth—breadwinner, celebrated Shakespearean actor, and master of the house in more ways than one—is at once a mesmerizing talent and a man of terrifying instability. One by one the children arrive, as year by year, the country draws frighteningly closer to the boiling point of secession and civil war. As the tenor of the world shifts, the Booths emerge from their hidden lives to cement their place as one of the country’s leading theatrical families. But behind the curtains of the many stages they have graced, multiple scandals, family triumphs, and criminal disasters begin to take their toll, and the solemn siblings of John Wilkes Booth are left to reckon with the truth behind the destructively specious promise of an early prophecy. Booth is a startling portrait of a country in the throes of change and a vivid exploration of the ties that make, and break, a family.