Short Stories Books

No fiction writer can afford to be without this book. I have used it for years and have placed much work because of it. Buy it now!

This book is invaluable to me as a writer; the many well-researched markets open up doors for me to send my writings; I've never found anything not to be true in this handbook. I'd urge all writers and would-be writers to purchase this valuable guide.

The fiction writer's ultimate resource is celebrating its 25th year in print. The writing opportunities within the 500+ pages cover everything from contests to book publishers.

The complete market list includes:

* Small Circulation Magazines
* Online Markets
* Consumer Magazines
* Book Publishers
* Contests and Awards
* Conferences and Workshops

One of the most informative sections of the book is "The Business of Fiction Writing." These nine pages show you exactly how to approach the various markets and offer sample cover letters and queries.

You also get writing help from authors like Pulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Ford, interviews with authors like Big Fish's Daniel Wallace and specific tips for romance, mystery and science fiction writers.

What makes this annual guide a must year after year are the hundreds of pages of listings. Contact info, market needs, submission terms, pay rates and so much more valuable information are updated every year. You could spend an entire year trying to locate a fraction of these potential homes for your work on your own or you can get the current year's guide and focus on your writing.

If you are a writer, you should definetely get this book. It shows you everything. Where the publishers are, what consumer magazines want your stories, where the literary agents are, and even some helpful words from accomplished author's. This is a definite MUST READ and MUST BUY if you are a writer who deosn't wanna sit on your butt all day but want to get your stories out there.

I found this book to be just what I needed for agent info/for submission info. And the interviews with writers/publishers were really informative. It's a road map book for writers & there's nothing like having a map to follow!

I have been a fan of Sherlock Holmes from the time I was a boy. I am not alone. How else could you explain the longevity of a character who was created primarily as a mass entertainment in the Strand Magazine, the Victorian equivalent of a television show. But, unlike his contemporaries in the Strand, Holmes has gained immortality. As time passes, he moves in and out of fashion, sometimes newly popular and cool, and at others hopelessly old fashioned and quaint. But, there's something about that monomaniacal probably bi-polar, self destructive and vain character that keeps him bouncing back.
I have many editions of Holmes stories, in print, in film and in television episodes, most remarkably and satisfyingly, the Granada series with Jeremy Brett, but I had to have this one.
In most of the collections the one thing that is achingly absent is the series of drawings by Sydney Paget. In "The Original Illustrated Sherlock Holmes," that defect is corrected.
"Here," the flyleaf proclaims, "are the original Sherlock Holmes stories ... as they first appeared in the British Magazine, the Strand." These are facsimiles of the pages of the magazine, so the layout of the narrative in two columns with illustrations inserted in the text, is exactly as it was a hundred years ago, down to the choice of font.
All of the stories are not here. This is not a "Complete Sherlock Holmes." (That volume, sadly, is out of print and is only available, in limited quantities, at some booksellers.) However, all of the stories that were published in their own volumes as The Adventures, The Memoirs, and The Return are here, as well as the serialization of The Hound of the Baskervilles. So, since the stories are available elsewhere, I shall concentrate on the illustrations which are really what make this volume distinctive.
Sydney Paget, who along with Sir John Tenniel, pretty much defined Nineteenth and Early Twentieth Century illustration, is the source of much of how we visualize Holmes. He is the man who created the cape and deerstalker that has come to be most associated with the character. (The calabash pipe was the contribution of stage actor William Gillette.) In Paget's illustrations we see Holmes expertly portrayed in all his bi-polar glory, from his languid despair over the lack of imagination in crime to the monomaniacal pursuit of a clue once his interest is aroused. The clients who seek his aid and the villains he threatens are no less clearly drawn. Paget is meticulous in his presentation of significant detail and, as good illustrations should, match perfectly with the moment in the text when the imaginative "snapshot" is taken. He is, perhaps, at his most impressive, though, when the scene calls for darkness, as in the attack by the Hound. The brilliant highlights surrounded by the subtle grays, with just enough detail to suggest the scene, cast against almost complete darkness, is pure genius. Paget is a master of light. As far as I know, this is the only place where the original illustrations and the text appear together and fully justifies its purchase even if, as I have, you possess many other versions of the tales.

Sherlock Holmes is one enduring character, written with the analytical reader in mind, with Conan Doyle presenting the logic and the reasoning as detailed as the story itself.

This particular edition, is the perfect one. Comfortably large size, easy on the eyes, hardbound is elegant and somehow I found it very easy to position it anyways I wanted, whether I was sitting upright with the book on the desk, or when in travel with the book on my lap, lying on my side with the book on the left. I thought this is important to mention , now ofcourse to the content..

The higlight of this edition is the illustration collection by Sydney Paget, as they appeared when it was first published. It is significant to read the stories with Sydney Paget's illustrations, since Sydney Paget practically defined the way Sherlock Holmes appeared. though Conan Doyle's descriptins can lead one to visualize Holmes, it was Sydney who set it on paper. and the fact that he was working along with Conan Doyle, brings in the authenticity and approval of the visual representation of the stories. Sydney Paget ofcourse is a master illustrator, with fascinating black and white illustrations capturing all the drama in the stories.

The book contains,
37 short stories and a complete novel from The Strand Magazine. With all 356 original illustrations by Sidney Paget.

Stories included are
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, published in The Strand between July, 1891 and December, 1892 (12 stories);
The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes. Published in The Strand as additional episodes between December, 1892 and November, 1893 (12 stories);
The Hound of the Baskervilles, published in The Strand between August, 1901 and April, 1902; and
The Return of Sherlock Holmes, published in The Strand between October, 1903 and January, 1905 (13 stories).

I've read most to these adventures over 30 years ago when I was a young teenager. I enjoyed them immensely then.

Now that I'm reading these stories again, the illustrations do enhance the stories greatly and adds more depth and understanding to the era in which these stories were written.

Although these stories are dated, some having been written over a hundred years ago and from the technological advances in criminology today, the suspense and pace of these stories will keep you glued until you get to the end of the mystery.

This book is well worth the expense and will be a fine addition to the collection of any Sherlock Holmes fan.

This book contains some of the greatest mystery stories the world has ever known. Throughout the book, through the eyes of Holmes' friend and assistant Watson, who recalls the things he sees and hears while in his friends company. This book also features illustrations that create a further interest in the story itself. Doyle shows his genious by leading the reader throughout each story (while successfully hooking them) and providing them with all the necessary clues to solve it. Of course none of it ever ties up in your mind which further compells you to read on faster and faster. When always at the very end, you see how Sherlock's genious (kindly provided by Doyle's genious) ties everything together very effectively by using the famous deducted theory which was concocted by Doyle and is used in every single Sherlock Holmes novel/story. This is a fabulous book and it will make you thirst for more. This is not a book to pass up!

The first Sherlock Holmes book I ever read was given to me as a gift for my thirteenth birthday. It was a collection of the short stories, with a wonderful leather trim and gold leafing, and I thought it was fantastic. I read the first story, and was instantly hooked. Within a few days, I was disappointed with my wonderful new book because it was incomplete. I had devoured all of the selected stories, and was ready for more.

Shortly thereafter, I purchased what purported to be the 'only complete Sherlock Holmes available', compiled by Christopher Morley. This became my favourite book. But, alas, neither of these volumes was illustrated.

The original stories, which appeared in The Strand magazine, were illustrated, by the great illustrator Sidney Paget. Actually, careful research (which Holmes himself would insist upon) will reveal that Paget was not the first illustrator; however, it is not able to be determined conclusively how many artists preceding Paget. It is know that the first publication of A Study in Scarlet, in which Holmes and Watson are first introduced, was illustrated by on D.H. Friston. These illustrations would appall the Holmesian set today.

The next edition after the barely-received Beeton's Christmas Annual edition, was in book form, and apparently illustrated by Arthur Conan Doyle's father, Charles.

The next illustration was in The Sign of Four, appearing in Lippincott's Magazine, which showed a scene in India, but did not have one of Holmes.

The classic ideas of Holmes (in a visual sense) did not thus solidify until the popular series of short stories in The Strand, illustrated by Paget, beginning with the story A Scandal in Bohemia, in which Holmes is actually out-foxed by THE woman, but still manages a satisfactory ending to the case, and (particularly his illustrations of the serialised Hounds of the Baskervilles) Paget's illustrations have become the standard image.

This volume contains all the short stories (56 of them) and the novels (4). (At least, this is the official canon -- there are other proto-stories by Conan Doyle, and dozens of tribute stories written by other authors.) Hundreds of illustrations accompany the text. Perhaps Paget drew his image of Holmes based upon the actor William Gillette, who made a career out of portraying the Baker Street detective on stage in London and New York. Charlie Chaplain got one of his early starts in entertainment by playing the page attendant to Holmes opposite Gillette.

From the beginning introduction of Holmes and Watson to Holmes' gentle retirement to beekeepping on the southern coast of England, this book contains all the essential stories (none of the apocryphal, anecdotal, or tribute-written pieces are contained here). Holmes was often thought to be a real person, and Sherlockians the world over still search for 'evidence' to prove that he was. During his 'lifetime', the post office for the Baker Street area regularly received mail addressed to Holmes or Watson at 221B Baker Street. While such an address does not (and did not during the late Victorian era) exist, there is a business on the site that would be 221B, and they have dedicated a desk to Holmes, and strive to answer mail received in the great detective's name.

Perhaps the two elements that made Holmes and Watson the world-renowned figures that they became are, first, the dominance of the British Empire globally at the time Conan Doyle was writing, which made English things sought-after, admired, and to be emulated, and secondly, the introduction of a method of detection hitherto unknown, both in the annals of detective stories (save perhaps in a proto-form in Poe and a few other obscure pieces of dubious literary merit) and in real life.

Holmesian tales became required reading in the training of police and detectives in many parts of the world. It is still recommended even when it is not required.

Holmes permeates other literature and venues as well. When Data on Star Trek: The Next Generation looks for images of Holmes, he is being guided by the descriptions in the stories as well as by the illustrations in The Strand. When the BBC produced Jeremy Brett's rendering of Holmes, the same holds true. When Basil Rathbone's films were cast, these illustrations and stories were uppermost in the directors' minds.

So, pull some tobacco from your persian slipper, stoke your pipe, scratch out a tune on your violin, and re-enter the gas-lit world of the foggy London, where danger is afoot and one detective can always save the day.

This book was very well written. It wasn't what I expected at all. It had romance, drama and suspense. The male lead was very interesting. As a pastor, the author shows all of the real life "sins" that we must encounter each day. I liked the way the author weaved the romance into a situation that would normally not happen. So, before I give too much away - take a chance on this book. I was hooked by page 4. On another note, Indigo (Sens Love Stories) should better reflect the covers of their books based on the stories.

I piked this book up on a whim and I am so happy that I did. This book deals with so many issues from mind control to hypocritical church members. Passion Adams is a woman who is trying to start over and in a desperate need for money she decides to be a surrogate mother for a local pastor's wife. After the wife's sudden death she searches out the wife's husband, pastor of a large church. Their relationship causes problems for everyone from politicians to family members. excellent read.

This was a wonderful story. I admire Passion's strength through all that she endured in the past and present. All Passion wanted was a new life and to be forgiven for her past sins. A lot of people (Christians) didn't make that very easy for her. It made me take a look at myself as a Christian woman and how I treat other people. When Jesus died, He wiped the slate clean. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

This was my first book by T.T. Henderson. I loved this book, it is a must read. I read it in one night, so go get your copy!

Passion was a very sensual book. It grabs you from page 1.

Passion Adams came from the streets. She had a good heart and was trying to get money to get off the streets. She was befriended by a preachers wife. CeCe wanted Passion to be the suragate mother to the child she couldn't bear. Passion agreed, but before CeCe could tell her husband the Reverend Jourdan Watters she is murdered.

Jourdan Watters was attracted to Passion when he first laid eyes on her during a Sunday Morning church service. He knew she was temptation, but really couldn't digest that she was carrying his child.

Passion fell in love with Jourdan and wanted him to know it. Passion was befriended by a young woman who belonged to Jourdan's church. She ironically worked for the DA's office who was investigating CeCe's murder.

This story had a mixture of mystery, suspense and laughter. You will get a few surprises. Get the book you won't regret it.

Compulsion pulls you through the powerful woodcuts in a few minutes. Each successive reading takes longer as you discover and savor character, plot and craft. Masereel lived by the nitroglycerin theory of rhetoric--the fewer the words, the leaner the lines, the more powerful the message.

"Passionate Journey" and "The City".
Both books of woodcuts are produced by Dover Books. The presentation of both is simple but the reproduction of the woodcuts is very good. These woodcuts are as fresh today as they must have been radical when first published in 1919 and 1925 respectively. These 'books without words' are fascinating in their portrayal of the human condition. "Passionate Journey" I believe to be a true work of art. One criticism of the editions is that they lack detailed information on Frans Masereel's life and times. I would liked to have much more on the impact of his work at the time and the context with regard to German Expressionism and the Weimar Republic. These books will hopefully introduce the work of Masereel to a much wider audience. They also represent reasonable value for money.

Like the Tarot, the images here are universal and transformative. They have the additional benefit of a wry sense of humor and subtle undercurrents of a humanist sensibility.

A must have for any searcher or thinker.

-- or is it? Masereel's remarkable little book declines to explain itself.

These 165 expressive woodcuts present snapshots from the life of one man, or so we assume. He's not all that special - he's not a great hero, leader, or lover, though he's each at one point or another. He doesn't rise above or sink below anyone else, except in the usual ways. As with Copland's "Fanfare for the Common Man," this book celebrates the ordinary. And, when seen in such detail, the ordinary becomes quite extraordinary.

The book opens with the un-named man's arrival by train. The crowd and surroundings excite him, as does the mechanism of the train itself. Then, he's off to his new life in the city. We see that life in an uneven, even surreal pace. Masereel's vivid, expressive images hopscotch through the years of his life. Sequences of unrelated images seem to compress years into just a few pages. Other times, long sequences examine individual stories in detail - the adoption of a daughter, his happiness in her, and her final illness and death may be the most moving. It's a life-changing event, and sets the anonymous man off on a lengthy voyage, perhaps to lose himself or to find himself again. He returns to the city life, and eventually retires. The imagery changes radically at this point. It suggests Van Gogh's "Sunflowers" and "Starry Night," and also hints at Van Gogh's death.

Or maybe not. The imagery speaks volumes, but speaks a different volume to each viewer - and will probably speak differently to me when I read it again. Although it's an illustrated story, it's not for children. It is for anyone who wants to see the grandparents of today's illustrated fiction, or who appreciates woodcut in itself. This Dover edition is a beautiful reproduction, with richly saturated blacks but paper opaque enough to keep each page from bleeding through. It's easy to enjoy - so go ahead, enjoy it.

//wiredweird

When my sister gave me this book for my birthday, it was one of the greatest presents I ever received. I was inspired, comforted, and emboldened by Masereel's wordless tale of a questing spirit. Despite the fact that I've read it literally hundreds of times (almost every night when I was working in Calcutta), I always see something new in the subtle, highly expressive woodcuts. Besides the brilliance of his technique, the story Maserel tells is exciting, complex, hilarious and moving. A treaure I wouldn't trade for practically anything.

Pigs have wings is one of the best books I have read, because it so funny. The way the characters are many times spaced out and the way they act on their stupidity, mostly the way P.G. Wodehouse makes fun of characters. Pigs have wings, is about competition between two pigs for the fattest pig class. They try to steal each other's pig, and the Empress (the name of the hero's pig) has been the winner of this class for two years in a row. All this is tied with some knotted yet silly love relationships. But the way Wodehouse makes fun of it is so funny that you will laugh untill tears start pouring down.

A great and entertaining read. I highly recommend it. It's one of P.G. Wodehouse's best in my opinion. Life at Blandings castle
is like paradise!

In typical Wodehouse fashion, this is a comical story with many hilarious twists and turns. I found myself laughing aloud in many places. Simply put, if you like Wodehouse and especially the Blandings Castle series, you like this book. It is one of the later "chronicles" of Blandings Castle, but it would be a good read for anyone--even those unfamiliar with Lord Emsworth. This is a great book, and author, for those who enjoy light, comical novels.

P.G. Wodehouse was the 20th century's answer to William Shakespeare reproduced as musical comedy. In Pigs Have Wings, Mr. Wodehouse produced one of his very best efforts.

As usual, the themes involve a satire of romantic love, miscommunications between the sexes, the vapid interests of the titled class, and the silliness of people in general.

As the book opens, Clarence, ninth Earl of Emsworth finds himself faced with a threat to the supremacy of his pig, Empress of Blandings, in the Fat Pigs class at the Shropshire Agricultural Show. Sir Gregory Parsloe-Parsloe, Bart, of Matchingham Hall, had already hired away Clarence's pig handler, George Cyril Wellbeloved . . . and Clarence is sure that some new skullduggery will soon follow. As the story develops, we find that it's all too true. Soon both pig camps are doing their best to knobble the other man's pig. With everyone else having a bet on the outcome, many other people are soon engaged in trying to sabotage one pig or the other. It's the most pignapping fun caper you can imagine!

In the background, we have all sorts of people who've become engaged to totally unsuitable people on the rebound from slights they feel from the one they really love. P.G. Wodehouse does a yeoman effort of returning all of those twisted loves to the proper party. The plot will keep you constantly chuckling throughout.

There are quite a few books based on the Empress of Blandings. So if you enjoy this one, go on to the others in the series.

Wodehouse, master of words that he is, shows his wit to be in top form in this wonderfully funny story of Blandings castle. As usual, Lord Emsworth is a bit dazed and obsessing about his pig (now hoping that she'll win first in her division for the third year running at the local agricultural show) and the guests at Blandings are falling hopelessly in love with one another. This is a great book for both those new to Wodehouse and those who have enjoyed his other works. I highly recommend it.

What a little treat! I stumbled upon this book at a used book store and thought it was a full length novel. Imagine my surprise when I found out that there are actually 11 stories included! If anyone has read 'Pursuit' by Heyer (easily found on the internet) and enjoyed it, then you'll love these stories too.

Briefly-
1) Pistols For Two -best friends duel
2) A Clandestine Affair -two guardians try to prevent elopement
3) Bath Miss -gentleman escorts school-room miss home
4) Pink Domino -brother tries to protect sister from fortune hunter
5) A Husband For Fanny -widow tries to match daughter with older Marquess
6) To Have The Honor -poor cousin refuses to offer for rich cousin, doesn't want to seem like fortune hunter
7) Night At The Inn -strange things are happening at the inn
8) The Duel -sister seeks brothers foe to call off duel
9) Hazard -woman is won at a card game, only thing is gentleman is betrothed
10) Snow Drift- woman must get to grandfathers house to 'win' inheritance
11) Full Moon -gentleman stumbles upon another who is preparing to leave for Gretna Green

My favorite is A Husband For Fanny and A Clandestine Affair, but I won't tell you why! No spoilers. If you like any of Heyers books then get these little condensed stories. Although they may not be as good as the full length novels, they're worth a read.

This is a collection of short stories. Each has the trademark Heyer humor. I often re-read this book when I don't have a lot of time. I can read one or two stories really quickly. Like all her books, this one is great. I think this would be a good introduction to her books. Try this and if you like it, try a longer novel next.

This book is a wonderful collection of short regency titles that will surely touch your heart and have you re-reading them again and again. From calf-love to mature love, you are sure to enjoy the eclectic collection written in the typical Heyer-style and full of humor, sensitivity and a wonderful insight into interpersonal human relationships.

Don't miss this book.

When I first got hold of this book I was surprised to find that it was a book of short stories, and I wasn't sure if I would like it. How wrong I was!

The book was first published in 1960 so it's one of Heyer's later books, and that shows in the range of characters and ages that she portrays in these short stories. Each story works brilliantly on its own as a story - although short, they never feel rushed or incomplete. The range of characters is as broad as ever, including some young heroines and one who is in her thirties. Her heroes tend to be the usual ones - dashing, handsome, rich gentlemen who are excellent horsemen. And yet there are a couple of stories in there which seem a little more unusual - my particular favourite is Hazard where Lord Carlington wins his friend's half-sister during a night of gaming and finds himself with her in an Inn the following morning, having just inserted the notice of his engagement to another woman in the papers. Of course things work out well (they always do in Heyer's books, which is what I like so much about them) but it's how these resolutions are brought about that make these stories such fun.

Georgette Heyer is probably one of the most unappreciated humorous writers of romances. Georgette Heyer may not be as good as Jane Austen, but she has the same tongue-in-cheek wit and ironical gaze.

Pistols for Two, a collection of short stories, is not as funny as Heyer's novels. The stories are very short and lack the space necessary for the unraveling of Heyer's wit. They are, however, quinessential Heyer plots. (In fact, you can pretty much learn all of Heyer's romance plots from reading Pistols for Two.) Consequently, Pistols for Two is a fun, relaxing read. I regret that Heyer didn't (to my knowledge) write more short stories.

Recommendation: See if you can find it used in paperback before settling for the hardcover version. It's a thin book and shouldn't cost too much.

Pixel Juice is a collection of 50 short stories, all pulled screaming from the swirling psychadelicatessen that is Jeff Noon's brain. Actually, "stories" isn't right; certainly, some of them are straight narrative tales, but then there's the instruction booklet to "PIMP! - The Boardgame", (social satire disguised as a family game) or the memo titled "Product Recall: Marylin Monroe" (which combines futuristic sex toys with strange viruses). Noon uses just about every narrative construct under the sun: stream-of-conciousness, first-second-and-third person perspectives; poetry, prose, letters, journals - all are used by Noon to transcribe the apparently endless flood of ideas which collect in his brain.

Pixel Juice also rewards those who re-read the book; there are word games which ring a big smug smile to the face when they're figured out (see how quickly you decipher "Metaphorazine" or "Alphabox"). There are references between stories; the young lad in "Junior Pimp" mentions that pimping is just like a game - tying in to "PIMP! - The Boardgame". That story makes reference to "Fetish Booth #7" and the lead character of FB #7 is mentioned in several of the other tales. Things like this keep the reader darting back through the book and smiling every time they spot a connection. Heck, there's even a poem towards the end of the book which sums up the stories so far and takes the mick out of the author! Everywhere you turn, there's a surprise an a twist, from the almost conventional horror story to the dreamlike beginning and end tales.

And contrary to what some have said, prior knowledge of Noon's other work isn't entirely neccessary. Although there are some stories which are set firmly in the Vurt universe, it's pretty easy for the reader to catch up with what's happening.

This book just blew me away. I think it is the most astounding piece of writing it has ever been my privilege to read. To be honest, I think that it probably benefits from reading a bit of Noon's stuff previously, as it gives you some background information on characters that you have met already, which is always nice. But it does so much more than that. The way that at the end of a story, he might tell the whole thing again, but in haiku, is just an example of his wordplay, with a word used as much for it's rhythm and feel as for it's actual definition.

I hate short stories. Can't abide them, even by my favourite authors. They are normally so uninvolving, only trying to shock you, because it's the easiest emotion to inspire. Not so with this. I can't extol the virtues of this book enough. Read this book or die.

wide.

I love what Noon does with words - dub haiku remixes and all that. This book is an really interesting view into his world - you can see the ideas germinating on every page.

If you haven't read any of Noon's work try his novel's first to see if you like his style - it's brilliantly unique.

This book just blew me away. I think it is the most astounding piece of writing it has ever been my privilege to read.

To be honest, I think that it probably benefits from reading a bit of Noon's stuff previously, as it gives you some background information on characters that you have met already, which is always nice. But it does so much more than that. The way that at the end of a story, he might tell the whole thing again, but in haiku, is just an example of his wordplay, with a word used as much for it's rhythm and feel as for it's actual definition.

I hate short stories. Can't abide them, even by my favourite authors. They are normally so uninvolving, only trying to shock you, because it's the easiest emotion to inspire. Not so with this. I can't extol the virtues of this book enough. Read this book or die.

wide.

This book is a collection of fifty short stories. And what stories. Never has such an unstoppable flow of imagine been unleashed within in a simgle book. Every story is a gem to be slowly relished.

The book reminded me of the Roald Dahl, "Kiss", etc. books from my childhood. Quirky, memorable stories.

Please, please, please can we have some more.

Very easy reading. Thoughts flow and amazing descriptions. I couldn't put the book down because you just wanted to know what will happen in the story.

The characters are people I can relate too, with all of their odd emotions and fears. But the twists in the plots are really unexpected like in "Bloody Thighs" ...which is one of my favorite stories. Personal Slave is funny , but defintely makes a statement. I definitely recommend this book. It was so good now my pals want to borrow the book.

I was given this book of short stories as a gift and took it along on a business trip with me. From the moment I opened the book, I could not put it down. It is written with such imagination that I was very sorry when it was over. The author needs to be applauded for what I consider to be an fantastic work. Thank you for writing it.
Joni from Boca

What title would you give to this book of short stories (after you've read them, of course)? Here are two hints:(1)The stories are written in a sparkling style that will tickle your reading palate. (Try "Pleasure.") (2)The stories are short, varying in length from bite-size snacks to gourmet meals. In either case, you'll get a kick out the clever surprise endings that'll give you repeated satisfaction without endless page turning. (Try: "On the Run.")

The enjoyment of this book is derived from the irony of the plot lines and characterizations. I was compelled to finish each story to see how the protaganist solved a dilemma. Each character has a flaw and the author succinctly exposes the weakness and then allows the reader to discover how this person will rise above or be consumed by the flaw.
I especially loved the simplicity of the short story, "The Latest Deadlines." The heroine, Mary, frustrated by her limitations learns she does have an attribute that can allow her to succeed. It is a story that starts with anger and ends with warmth and charm.
This is the kind of book that is great to read on the beach, on a plane or just for plain fun.

If you are traveling by airplane, train, subway , bus ,waiting at a gate in an airport, and you want to get to the end of the short story before you arrive at your destination. This is a great book to devoured in the shortest amount of time. I highly reccomend it .

This is the Modern Library edition of the classic Dorothy Parker collection of stories and poems. If you want to introduce someone to Mrs. Parker - maybe with a birthday gift book - get this.

The first half is divided into verse from the collected editions Enough Rope, Sunset Gun, Death and Taxes; the second half is more than 25 short stories. It's a compact little hardcover book, with an old style typeface, and moderately priced. Even the dust jacket is classy.

This book is a compilation of all three of Parker's books of poetry as well as her published book of short stories. As for the price, it can't be beat, especially considering it's in hardcover. Plus, you also don't have to worry about buying 2 or 3 books to make sure you've got all of the poems you wanted.

Dorothy Parker's writing is fantastic anyway, and uses cynical wit to draw the reader into the poem. The reader laughs, but manages to feel empathetic. Her style is unique and doesn't seem outdated, even though most of this was written at least half a century ago. If you've ever wanted to laugh about being broken-hearted, this is the book for you.

Not that I dislike her poems (I only read about a dozen) but I bought this book primarily for the stories. And I still don't regret it. Parker's stories can be separated in 2 or 3 groups; the cleverly sarcastic ones (most of the stories I believe), the third-person narrative ones (much rarer) with a rather grave tone (quite emotionally loaded), and the third group I do not remember because I read this book a while ago. Bear with me...

I have to say that nearly all of these stories made me want to purchase a gun and start to kill people randomly. Why? Because Parker has a way to present us the unnice sides of humans in such a way that you feel it like a personal attack (not an attack from the author to you, but one from the characters to another character, and that will make you want to break something). I guess that means Dorothy is good at making the reader emotionally involved; and she is. However sarcastic and cynical she gets, you always know how to take it, you always know what it means. It's a bit like someone telling you something terribly sad and adding a smile to it; you know it does not mean they are happy at all, but you understand it in a deeper way. Sorry if this all sounds far-fetched and fancy; I do suck at reviews. (This being said, that's a purely personal standard, on an amazon standard, I think I'm doing fairly well.)

Lastly, a word about Modern Library. Their books are definitely classy. I always prefer a hardcover to a paperback, so this edition made my day. The paper quality is a quite a fine one as well and the font is classy too (it has some special "e" in it, with a diagonal bar, but I don't think you'd notice that unless you were told).

Great book. Ideal for any Dorothy Parker fan

Here you have it, all of the wit and charm of Dorothy Parker in one neat compact volume. The poems, many of which I had read before, are brilliant and stunning, having the punch of an O. Henry story in one or two little pages. The short stories, of which I had read exactly none before I picked up this book, are, incredibly, just as good as her verses. Full of the pathos and drama of a wide variety of domestic experience, these prose gems are brimming with smart and realistic dialogue seldom found in any medium. Some of the best tales are simply inner monologues of a woman doing ordinary things like waiting for the man she adores to call her on the phone or dancing with a clog footed bore who keeps kicking her in the shins. These pieces are so well done and so dead on that they would make great audition pieces for budding actresses to impress a casting agent with. Much has been made of Dorothy Parker's unhappiness and self destructive behavior, but despite, or possibly because of, her abject misery, the lady could put pen to paper. Her work, much more than her biography, is what should stand the test of time. If you like this book and simply have to have more, you should also pick up "Not Much Fun: The Lost Poems of Dorothy Parker" compiled by Stuart Silverstein and collecting, many for the first time, the poems that Dottie wasn't that fond of--they are brilliant as well.

What wonderful, powerful messages are given in each captivating vignette! Buy it, find a comfortable corner, read it, reflect, and enjoy each poignant passage!

The Easter story as related by the man who follows the Ragman is moving and makes an age old story new. Older elementary school children, middle schoolers and adults listened. We all heard the story.Although it seemd familiar, it held our attention. It was an eyewitness thought provoking news account of a very special Ragman.

Each short story is a new glimpse of God's love for us all. Letter to my Brother Gregory... is the best admonition for a Christian marriage that I have ever read. It clearly reveals the importance of God's role in our marriages and will surprise most who read it. I have enclosed copies of Ragman in wedding presents with a note for the Newlyweds. The title story will make you cry.

Wangerin's Ragman is one of the most inspiring books I have read in a long time. The imagery can pull you into everyday life or to far away scenes. Ragman can stir your heart.

RAGMAN AND OTHER CRIES OF FAITH is a deeply moving collection of works concerning the Christian faith, written by Walt Wangerin, Jr. about some of his experiences as a pastor in the inner city. The title work, "Ragman" is a story that is often used as a skit/readers theatre throughout the country and is basically an updated tale about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The book includes poems, plays, sermons, and many great stories because as Wangerin writes, stories are what make a pastor. The tales are all personal and most are moving. They examine a deep and living faith that sees the work of God everywhere: from a naked, homebound parishoner who smells like urine to the painful death of a young woman to a crazy woman shooting a gun at no one in the middle of the street. This is a great book for any pastor, for anyone who has done urban missions, or for anyone looking for a book that illustrates the very real ways God is working in our world today. Highly recommended.