A wave of daring short stories by and about the "New Woman" challenges the moral fabric of Victorian society. These narratives, often published in prominent English and American magazines, explore female sexuality, marital discontent, and feminist protest with a candor that shocked contemporary critics, who labeled the authors as "literary degenerates." The collection gathers twenty of the most original and significant stories from this transformative period, showcasing a bold new voice in literature.

This collection is recognized for its significant contribution to understanding late Victorian and early Modernist literature, particularly the emergence of feminist voices. The stories are noted for their formal innovation and their frank engagement with social issues that were considered taboo. Critics at the time reacted with a mixture of outrage and fascination, highlighting the disruptive power of these narratives. Modern scholarship often views these works as crucial precursors to later feminist literary movements, demonstrating the courage and foresight of their authors in challenging societal norms.