The Greatest American, British "Short Stories, Fiction" Books Since 1900

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Short Stories

The "Short Stories" category encompasses a diverse collection of succinct, fictional narratives that are typically focused on a single theme or a concise plot. Unlike novels, short stories are designed to be read in a single sitting, offering a snapshot of characters' lives, often with a twist or a poignant conclusion that leaves a lasting impression. This genre includes a wide range of styles and subjects, from literary and speculative fiction to mystery and romance, allowing readers to explore a variety of worlds and experiences through the concise and potent medium of the short form. Renowned for their brevity and emotional impact, short stories challenge authors to convey depth and complexity within a limited framework, making every word count and often relying on the power of suggestion and the reader's imagination to complete the picture.

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  1. 26. Sixty Stories by Donald Barthelme

    "Sixty Stories" is a collection of short narratives that use unconventional, experimental structures to explore a range of themes. The book is known for its absurdist and postmodern style, and the stories often feature elements of parody, surrealism, and satire. The tales cover a wide array of topics, including art, literature, philosophy, and the human condition, all presented with a unique blend of humor, wit, and intellectual depth.

    The 1534th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. Books of Blood by Clive Barker

    "Books of Blood" is a collection of horror stories that explore the depths of fear, the supernatural, and the macabre. Each tale is intricately woven and filled with terrifyingly vivid imagery, taking readers on a journey into the darkest corners of the human psyche. The stories range from the terrifying tale of a city consumed by an enormous, flesh-eating monster, to the chilling account of a man haunted by the spirits of the dead. Each story is unique, yet they all share a common thread of fear, horror, and the unknown.

    The 1589th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout

    The book is a collection of 13 interconnected short stories revolving around Olive Kitteridge, a retired schoolteacher living in a small town in Maine. Olive is a complex character with a prickly exterior but a deep well of emotion and empathy beneath the surface. Through her interactions and relationships with various town residents, the book explores themes of love, loss, aging, and change, painting a rich portrait of a community and its inhabitants.

    The 1677th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. Enormous Changes at the Last Minute by Grace Paley

    "Enormous Changes at the Last Minute" is a collection of 17 short stories that delve into the lives of various individuals living in New York City. The narratives explore themes of love, loss, and the complexities of life, often from the perspective of women. The stories are characterized by their distinctive voice, evocative imagery, and a keen sense of observation, providing an intimate look into the human condition.

    The 1680th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. The Portable Dorothy Parker by Dorothy Parker

    This anthology is a comprehensive collection of the sharp-witted and poignant works of a celebrated American writer, known for her acerbic wit and keen observations of 20th-century urban life. It includes an array of her short stories, poems, essays, and reviews, showcasing her talents across different literary forms. The volume captures the essence of the author's incisive commentary on topics ranging from love and relationships to social issues, all delivered with her distinctive blend of humor and melancholy. Her writing remains a testament to her status as a formidable figure in American literature and a chronicler of the complexities of the human experience.

    The 1687th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. Birds of America by Lorrie Moore

    "Birds of America" is a collection of twelve short stories that delve into the complexities of human relationships and the struggles of everyday life. The stories feature a variety of characters, including a woman who is dealing with her husband's terminal illness, a couple who are struggling to conceive, and a woman who is trying to come to terms with her brother's suicide. The stories are filled with humor, wit, and poignant observations about life, love, and loss.

    The 1698th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. Bad Behavior: Stories by Mary Gaitskill

    "Bad Behavior: Stories" is a collection of short stories that delve into the darker, often unexplored aspects of human relationships and behavior. The narrative navigates through the complex world of love, lust, power, and obsession, focusing on characters who are often marginalized or misunderstood. The stories provide a raw, unfiltered view of human nature, exploring themes of sexual deviance, emotional vulnerability, and societal norms.

    The 1882nd Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. The Golden Apples by Eudora Welty

    "The Golden Apples" is a collection of interconnected short stories set in the fictional town of Morgana, Mississippi. The narratives follow various characters at different stages of their lives, providing a comprehensive picture of the town and its inhabitants. The stories are rich with symbolism and explore themes like love, loss, and the passage of time, all against the backdrop of Southern life and culture.

    The 1935th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury

    "The Illustrated Man" is a collection of eighteen science fiction short stories that revolve around the mysterious figure of the illustrated man, whose body is covered in moving tattoos that predict the future. Each story explores themes of technology, humanity, and the consequences of our actions, taking readers on a thought-provoking journey through dystopian worlds, alien encounters, and the depths of human imagination. With vivid imagery and compelling narratives, the book delves into the complexities of human nature and the potential dangers of our own creations.

    The 1945th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. Like Life by Lorrie Moore

    "Like Life" is a collection of short stories that explore the nuances of everyday life, delving into the complexities of relationships, love, and loss. The narratives are filled with characters grappling with their past, struggling with their present, and uncertain about their future. The author uses humor and poignant observation to highlight the beauty, pain, and absurdity of human existence, painting a vivid picture of life's many contradictions and ironies.

    The 2169th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. The October Country by Ray Bradbury

    "The October Country" is a collection of haunting and macabre short stories that explore the dark corners of the human psyche. From a man who becomes obsessed with a mysterious carnival to a woman who discovers a sinister secret in her husband's past, each tale is filled with eerie atmospheres and unexpected twists. With his evocative prose and vivid imagination, the author takes readers on a chilling journey through the shadows of the October Country, where the line between reality and the supernatural blurs.

    The 2209th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. Collected Stories by W. Somerset Maugham

    "Collected Stories" is an anthology of tales that offers a broad range of human experiences, emotions, and dilemmas. The stories, set in a variety of locations around the world, explore themes such as love, betrayal, war, and societal norms. The author's keen observations of human nature and his skillful storytelling provide a captivating and thought-provoking reading experience.

    The 2276th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. Complete Short Stories by D. H. Lawrence

    This collection brings together a vast array of narratives exploring human nature, relationships, and society through the lens of early 20th-century experiences. The stories delve into themes of love, sexuality, class, and industrialization, often challenging the norms and mores of the time. Rich in symbolism and characterized by a deep psychological insight, the anthology showcases the author's talent for portraying complex characters and emotions, set against the backdrop of the English countryside and beyond. The author's distinctive voice weaves through tales that range from the pastoral to the poignant, each one offering a unique window into the human condition.

    The 2276th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. The Collected Stories Of Lydia Davis by Lydia Davis

    The collection is a compendium of short fiction that showcases the author's deftness in capturing the intricacies of human experience through precise, often experimental prose. The stories range from the very brief to the more developed, exploring themes of language, memory, and the often overlooked moments of everyday life. With a unique voice that combines wit, keen observation, and a mastery of form, the author challenges traditional narrative structures, inviting readers to engage with the text on multiple levels and to find meaning in the spaces between the words as much as in the words themselves. The result is a body of work that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant, cementing the author's reputation as a significant figure in contemporary literature.

    The 2314th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. Collected Stories Of V. S. Pritchett by V. S. Pritchett

    This collection brings together the finest short stories of a master storyteller, showcasing a lifetime of skillfully crafted narratives. Spanning several decades, the anthology reflects on the complexities of human relationships, the nuances of social interaction, and the idiosyncrasies of everyday life. With a keen eye for detail and a profound understanding of the human condition, the stories traverse a variety of settings and characters, each vividly brought to life through the author's sharp wit and insightful observation. This compilation not only celebrates the art of the short story but also solidifies the author's legacy as one of the 20th century's most distinguished writers in the genre.

    The 2358th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. The Stories of Ray Bradbury by Ray Bradbury

    This collection of 100 short stories showcases the author's unique blend of science fiction, horror, and fantasy. The tales, which span six decades of the author's career, explore themes of technology, the supernatural, and the human condition. From stories of astronauts exploring alien planets, to tales of small-town America where the extraordinary lurks just beneath the surface, the collection highlights the author's imaginative storytelling and his ability to blend the everyday with the fantastical.

    The 2432nd Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. Men Without Women by Ernest Hemingway

    "Men Without Women" is a collection of short stories that explore the theme of loneliness and emotional isolation. Each of the fourteen stories focuses on men who have lost or can't attain the love of a woman, resulting in feelings of despair, alienation and loneliness. The characters range from matadors to boxers, soldiers to artists, all of whom are navigating the complexities of masculinity, love, and life.

    The 2615th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. The Old Forest by Peter Taylor

    "The Old Forest" is a collection of short stories set in the American South, primarily in Memphis, Tennessee during the early to mid-20th century. The stories explore themes of social change, class conflict, and personal identity. The title story revolves around a car accident that leads to a young woman's disappearance and the subsequent search for her, revealing the societal tensions and class divisions within the community.

    The 2704th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. Dangerous Visions by Harlan Ellison

    "Dangerous Visions" is a groundbreaking science fiction anthology that challenges societal norms and pushes the boundaries of the genre. Through a collection of thought-provoking and controversial stories, the book explores themes of power, sexuality, and humanity's relationship with technology. With contributions from renowned authors, it offers a diverse range of perspectives and imaginative narratives that captivate readers and provoke critical thinking about the future of humanity.

    The 2708th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. Flowering Judas and Other Stories by Katherine Anne Porter

    "Flowering Judas and Other Stories" is a compilation of short stories that explore complex themes of love, betrayal, and death, often through the lens of the author's own experiences and observations. The stories are set in various locations including Texas, Mexico, and Berlin, and feature a range of characters, each grappling with their own personal struggles and moral dilemmas. The titular story, "Flowering Judas", revolves around a young woman's involvement with a Mexican revolutionary group and her struggle with guilt and disillusionment.

    The 2779th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. Flappers And Philosophers by F. Scott Fitzgerald

    "Flappers and Philosophers" is a collection of eight short stories that delve into the lives of young, affluent Americans during the Jazz Age, a term often associated with the 1920s. The stories explore themes of love, loss, and the pursuit of happiness against the backdrop of a rapidly changing society. The characters, including rebellious flappers and contemplative intellectuals, navigate the complexities of modern relationships and the shifting cultural norms of the era. The author's signature style of elegant prose and sharp social commentary weaves through each narrative, offering a poignant look at the contradictions and challenges of the post-World War I generation.

    The 2809th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. In Dreams Begin Responsibilities And Other Stories by Delmore Schwartz

    This collection of short stories delves into the complexities of human relationships, the passage of time, and the search for meaning within the American experience. The narratives often blend autobiographical elements with fictional techniques, offering a poignant exploration of youth, love, and the inevitable disillusionment that comes with maturity. The title story is particularly notable, employing a surreal dream sequence where the protagonist witnesses his parents' courtship in a silent film, symbolically grappling with the weight of his own existence and the responsibilities it entails. The stories weave together the personal and the universal, creating a tapestry of introspective and existential contemplation that resonates with the anxieties of the 20th century.

    The 2809th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. Bloodchild by Octavia E. Butler

    "Bloodchild" is a provocative science fiction tale that explores complex themes of symbiosis, love, and power dynamics through the lens of an interdependent relationship between humans and an alien species known as the Tlic. The story is set on a distant planet where humans live as a preserved minority, and the Tlic, who are large insect-like creatures, require human hosts to incubate their young. The narrative follows a young human boy who is chosen to carry the offspring of a Tlic female, leading to a harrowing and intimate bond that challenges his understanding of autonomy, sacrifice, and connection. The novella delves into the intricate and often unsettling negotiations of personal agency and survival in a world where two very different beings are inextricably linked.

    The 2879th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. Eight Men: Short Stories by Richard Wright

    "Eight Men: Short Stories" is a collection of tales that explore the lives of African-American men in a racially divided America. Each story delves into the experiences of these men as they navigate through the complexities of their existence, facing racial prejudice, social injustice, and personal dilemmas. The stories are a poignant portrayal of their struggles and resilience, offering a profound commentary on race relations and the human condition.

    The 2942nd Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. Portrait Of The Artist As A Young Dog by Dylan Thomas

    This book is a collection of semi-autobiographical stories that delve into the early life and formative years of a young Welsh poet. Through vivid, evocative prose, the reader is taken on a journey through the author's childhood and adolescence in Swansea, Wales, during the 1920s and 1930s. The stories are rich with the sensory experiences of youth, capturing moments of joy, confusion, and the pains of growing up. The narrative explores universal themes of nostalgia, the loss of innocence, and the artistic awakening of a young man with a keen eye for the beauty and absurdity of the world around him.

    The 2942nd Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download