A short story may be read from start to finish in a single sitting, but its impact can last a lifetime. More than simply an abbreviated version of the novel, the short story is a unique and rewarding literary form all its own. Although short stories have been around throughout history in the form of myths, fables, and legends, the short story as a distinct art form arose only during the 19th century, just in time for our busy age. Great short fiction offers something you can find nowhere else: a world in miniature faithfully captured by the author's mastery of character, plot, setting, image, and theme. The time it takes to read a short story may be brief, but the emotions and thoughts it provokes linger with you. In Masterpieces of Short Fiction, Dr. Michael Krasny - Professor of English at San Francisco State University and the host of KQED's award-winning news and public affairs radio program Forum - guides you deep into 23 renowned short works written by some of the masters of the genre. These two dozen lectures are not only an opportunity to enjoy great literature of the 19th and 20th centuries; they are also a chance to learn fascinating facts about the authors' lives and the artistic and historical contexts that helped shape their works.
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