The Penguin Book of the British Short Story: 1
From Daniel Defoe to John Buchan
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Penguin Books Ltd
Published:29th Sep '16
Should be back in stock very soon
This anthology showcases the breadth of British short stories, celebrating both famous authors and hidden gems. The Penguin Book of the British Short Story: 1 is a must-read.
This anthology serves as a celebration of the rich tradition of British short stories, showcasing a diverse array of writers, subjects, and tones. From the early origins of the genre with notable figures like Defoe, Swift, and Fielding, to the vibrant 'golden age' of the fin de siècle and Edwardian periods, this collection spans centuries of literary evolution. It includes both well-known authors and lesser-known gems that have not seen the light of day since their original publication in magazines and periodicals.
In The Penguin Book of the British Short Story: 1, readers will find stories that are as varied as they are engaging. The anthology features a mix of topical and playful narratives, alongside ghostly and theatrical tales that captivate the imagination. Each story offers a unique perspective, reflecting the historical and cultural contexts in which they were written, thus providing a comprehensive overview of the genre's development over time.
Edited with care by Philip Hensher, this anthology is not just a collection of stories; it is a testament to the enduring power of the short story form. With its extensive range and thoughtful curation, The Penguin Book of the British Short Story: 1 is destined to be a reference point for readers and writers alike, ensuring that these remarkable stories continue to be appreciated for generations to come.
Hensher's anthology is bigger, better and broader in several senses than anything else currently available * The Spectator *
Almost 100 potent doses of the form which editor Philip Hensher claims very plausibly to be "the richest, most varied and most historically extensive national tradition anywhere in the world"... Hensher has spent a couple of years searching libraries and magazine archives and comes out staggering under a weight of treasures -- Claire Harman * Evening Standard *
Like one of the legion of cantankerous, eccentric hosts we meet across this generous terrain, Hensher knows how to lay a grand spread...so enjoy the feast -- Boyd Tonkin * The Independent *
Anyone reading this collection just for pleasure should start at the end of the second volume and work backwards...it would quickly bring you to four outstanding stories by women...each of these, though quickly over, leaves a lasting mark in the mind -- John Carey * The Sunday Times *
Big and clever...three cheers then, for this chunky two-volume anthology, edited by Philip Hensher with imagination and a dash of mischievous wit -- Robert Douglas-Fairhurst * The Times *
Made me shiver with pleasure -- Michele Roberts * The Financial Times *
Charted a very personal view of the form's development from the early 18th century to the present day' -- Tim Martin * Telegraph *
It's been a big year for anthologies and few come bigger than The Penguin Book of the British Short Story. Philip Hensher's introduction is spiky and thought-provoking and Volume I: From Daniel Defoe to John Buchan and Volume II: From P.G. Wodehouse to Zadie Smith (Penguin Classic, £25 each) offer readers the chance to enjoy the varieties and mutations of British stories across four centuries. -- Max Liu * Independent *
In two handsomely designed volumes ... you have to admire Hensher's championing of unfamiliar names alongside established greats -- Neville Hawcock * FT *
ISBN: 9780141396002
Dimensions: 198mm x 130mm x 34mm
Weight: 522g
768 pages