This collection investigates the evolution and formal development of the short story as a distinct literary genre through a curated selection of foundational texts. The author, J. McClennen, provides a scholarly framework that contextualizes these narratives within their respective historical and cultural periods. By examining the structural choices of various authors, the text argues for the short story's unique capacity to capture complex human experiences within a condensed narrative space.

Experts frequently cite this volume as a reliable pedagogical tool for students of literature. Readers note the academic density of the prose, which serves to clarify the technical nuances of the short story form.