Short stories date back to oral storytelling traditions. The precursors of short stories were legends, mythic tales, folk tales, fairy tales, fables and anecdotes found in ancient literature across the world.

 

Short stories were not generally regarded as a distinct literary form before the 19th century. Since the emergence of modern literature in the 19th century, a short story has generally been defined as a piece of prose fiction that can be read in one sitting. It usually deals with only a few characters and focuses on a self-contained event or a few connected incidents, with the intent of evoking a "single effect" or mood. The form encourages economy of setting, concise narrative and selection of salient and evocative details.

 

Reading English short stories can increase our cultural knowledge. The five stories selected in this series are works of famous English, American and Russian writers. The stories are tasters that guide readers into their larger body of work.