Studying the short-story Sixteen short-story classics with introductions, notes and a new laboratory study method for individual reading and use in colleges and schools.

Designed for both classroom instruction and independent study, this anthology brings together sixteen of the most celebrated short stories from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The pieces are organized into thematic groups—action, mystery, emotion, humor, setting, impressionism, character, and psychology—so listeners can explore how different narrative strategies shape a story’s impact. Each story is introduced with concise background on the author and its place in literary history, offering a clear entry point for newcomers.

Accompanying each tale are extensive marginal notes and a series of suggestive questions that guide readers toward close reading and critical discussion. The book also presents a “laboratory” method, encouraging students to record observations, compare techniques, and develop their own analytical essays. Whether used in a college syllabus or a high‑school literature circle, the collection balances scholarly insight with accessible commentary, making the art of the short story approachable and engaging.