13 Must-Read Anthologies of Short Stories To Explore

Discover the best anthology of short stories that captivates your imagination and enriches your reading experience. Dive into literary treasures today.
13 Must-Read Anthologies of Short Stories To Explore

Top Quick Picks For You

Most Cost-Effective

The World's Greatest Short Stories

The World's Greatest Short Stories

This anthology offers a wide selection of classic short stories at the lowest price, making it ideal for budget-conscious readers.

Best for Literary Enthusiasts

Norton Anthology

Norton Anthology

As a comprehensive anthology, it encompasses a rich variety of renowned authors and stories, appealing to serious literary fans.

Best for Quick Reads

Great American Short Stories

Great American Short Stories

This collection features short stories that are perfect for readers looking for quick, impactful narratives.

Best for Diverse Voices

Scribner Anthology

Scribner Anthology

It highlights a wide array of contemporary voices and themes, making it a great choice for readers interested in modern diverse storytelling.

Best Anthology of Short Stories

In a world where time slips through our fingers like grains of sand, a well-crafted anthology of short stories offers an exquisite escape into the realm of imagination, all within a few pages. These compact collections not only illuminate diverse voices and vivid landscapes but also serve as quick literary delights that cater to the busy reader. Whether you seek a moment of reflection or a burst of inspiration, join us as we unveil the finest selections that promise to resonate long after the final page is turned.

Most Cost-Effective: The World's Greatest Short Stories

The World's Greatest Short Stories: Selections from Hemingway, Tolstoy, Woolf, Chekhov, Joyce, Updike and more (Dover Thrift Editions: Short Stories)
Highlights
Wide variety of stories
Affordable price point
Great selection of authors

When we dove into this anthology, we were pleasantly surprised by its incredible value .

With a wide variety of stories spanning genres and time periods, it’s perfect for those who might feel lost in the world of literature .

At such a low price, it ticks all the boxes for budget-savvy readers without skimping on quality .

Sure, the text can be a bit small and closely spaced, and some tales may lack punch, but with such a stellar lineup of authors, it’s definitely worth the read .

If you're seeking an anthology that won’t break the bank, this one is a fantastic pick!

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Price history for The World's Greatest Short Stories on Amazon

Best for Literary Enthusiasts: Norton Anthology

The Norton Anthology of Short Fiction
Highlights
Diverse short story selection
Engaging for beginners
Good for classroom use

We’re thrilled to introduce the Best Anthology of Short Stories for literary enthusiasts !

This comprehensive collection from W .

W .

Norton & Company is a treasure trove, showcasing a diverse array of renowned authors and engaging narratives that are perfect for both seasoned readers and those just dipping their toes into the world of literature .

While its hefty 1024 pages might make it a bit cumbersome for on-the-go reading, the anthology excels in classroom settings, fostering discussions and sparking interest .

Sure, some stories may feel a tad brief, but the richness of the selection keeps us coming back for more .

Dive into this literary adventure and discover why it has a stellar 4.5-star rating!

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Price history for Norton Anthology on Amazon

Best for Quick Reads: Great American Short Stories

Great American Short Stories: Hawthorne, Poe, Cather, Melville, London, James, Crane, Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Bierce, Twain & more (Dover Thrift Editions: Short Stories)
Highlights
Great value for price
Easy to carry
Classic American stories

We absolutely loved diving into this anthology, making it our pick for Best for Quick Reads !

This collection features classic American stories that are not only easy to carry but also pack a punch in just a few pages .

With 256 pages of highly impactful narratives, it’s perfect for those moments when you crave storytelling but don’t have the time for long novels .

While the selection can feel a tad limited and some publication dates might raise eyebrows, the overall value at a superb price point makes it a worthy addition to any bookshelf .

Dive in and enjoy!

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Price history for Great American Short Stories on Amazon

Best for Diverse Voices: Scribner Anthology

The Scribner Anthology of Contemporary Short Fiction: 50 North American Stories Since 1970 (Touchstone Books (Paperback))
Highlights
Variety of authors
Engaging storytelling
Inexpensive option

We’re thrilled to share our pick for the Best for Diverse Voices: this anthology of short stories !

With a spectacular range of contemporary authors, it presents a tapestry of modern storytelling that we find both engaging and eye-opening .

At 652 pages, it may seem a bit hefty, but we promise the journey is worthwhile !

While some tales might not hit the mark for every reader and a few are not brand-new, the blend of voices and backgrounds makes this collection truly special .

Plus, it’s an inexpensive option for those eager to explore new narratives .

Dive in and enjoy the ride!

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Price history for Scribner Anthology on Amazon

Penguin Book of Short Stories

The Penguin Book of the Modern American Short Story
Highlights
Well-selected stories
Easy to carry
High average rating

We recently delved into the wonderful world of short stories, and this anthology truly stands out !

Published by Penguin Books and boasting a hefty 496 pages, it’s a treasure trove of well-selected tales that invite you to indulge in diverse narratives .

We appreciate its compact size, making it easy to carry on our literary adventures .

With an impressive average rating of 4.5 stars from nearly 200 readers, it's hard to argue against its popularity .

However, like any collection, some stories may not resonate with everyone .

Still, the gems within make this anthology a welcome addition to any bookshelf!

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Price history for Penguin Book of Short Stories on Amazon

American Short Stories

The Best American Short Stories of the Century
Highlights
Thick, durable binding
Contains classic stories
High ratings from readers

When diving into this anthology of short stories, we were immediately struck by its rich collection of classic tales .

With over 864 pages of literary treasure, it's a hefty companion for any book lover .

We appreciate the thick, durable binding which makes it feel like a timeless artifact on our shelves .

The high ratings from readers further validate its quality, but keep in mind that the small print might challenge some readers’ eyes .

While story selections can be a bit subjective, we found enough gems to keep our imaginations alive .

Overall, it’s a delightful journey through diverse storytelling!

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Price history for American Short Stories on Amazon

Oxford Book of American Short Stories Anthology of Short Stories

The Oxford Book of American Short Stories
Highlights
Great selection of stories
Value for money
Introduces new authors

We absolutely love this anthology !

The selection of stories is simply fantastic, giving readers a delightful taste of both seasoned and up-and-coming authors .

At 896 pages, this hefty paperback is packed with value and ensures you'll discover something new at every turn .

However, it's worth mentioning that some typos and misprints sneak in, which can be a tad distracting during your reading escapades .

Still, the overall quality of the stories makes it a worthwhile journey .

If you're hunting for an anthology that dives deep into diverse narratives, this gem might just be your ticket!

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Price history for Oxford Book of American Short Stories on Amazon

Fifty Great Short Stories

Fifty Great Short Stories (Bantam Classics)
Highlights
Well-written stories
Diverse author selection
Great for casual reading

We’ve had the pleasure of diving into this exciting anthology of short stories .

Published by Bantam Classics, it presents a diverse selection of well-written narratives, making it a gem for casual readers .

With 592 pages packed into a portable format, it’s perfect for a quick escape into literature .

However, be mindful that the collection focuses exclusively on short stories, which means some pieces might feel obscure .

If you’re looking for depth, this might not be your cup of tea .

But for those eager to explore different voices, it’s an excellent pick that certainly deserves a spot on your shelf!

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Price history for Fifty Great Short Stories on Amazon

Short Story Masterpieces

Short Story Masterpieces: 35 Classic American and British Stories from the First Half of the 20th Century
Highlights
Diverse selection of stories
High reader satisfaction
Great for short reading sessions

We’re excited to share our thoughts on this captivating anthology of short stories published by Dell .

Spanning 528 pages, it offers a diverse selection that promises something for everyone, making it perfect for those quick reading sessions on-the-go .

With an impressive 4.4-star rating from 129 reviewers, it’s clear that readers are satisfied .

However, do keep in mind that the book's smaller size might surprise you, and while the price tag is a tad high, the rich content can outweigh that concern .

Overall, this anthology is a delightful addition to any book lover’s collection!

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Price history for Short Story Masterpieces on Amazon

100 Years Of The Best American Short Stories Anthology of Short Stories

100 Years Of The Best American Short Stories
Highlights
Extensive collection of stories
Engaging introduction by Moore
Well-selected by expert editors

We’re excited to tell you about this fantastic anthology of short stories published by Mariner Books .

With a hefty 752 pages of engaging narratives, this collection is expertly curated by skilled editors, ensuring you’ll find something that resonates .

The introduction by *David A .

Moore* sets the tone beautifully, adding depth to the experience .

However, be prepared — the length might feel a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re after quick reads .

Plus, it's exclusively focused on American authors .

If you’re ready to dive deep into the heart of American literature, this is definitely a must-add to your bookshelf!

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Price history for 100 Years Of The Best American Short Stories on Amazon

100 Great Short Stories

100 Great Short Stories: Selections from Poe, London, Twain, Melville, Kipling, Dickens, Joyce and many more (Dover Thrift Editions: Short Stories)
Highlights
Great collection of classics
Short stories are quick reads
Ideal for road trips

We absolutely adore this anthology of short stories from Dover Publications !

With an impressive collection of classics, it's perfect for those on-the-go moments—whether it’s a road trip or a cozy evening at home .

Each tale offers a delightful escape into different worlds, presented in a quick-read format that suits our busy lives .

However, it does lean towards a more formal language style, which might not appeal to everyone, especially contemporary fiction fans .

With over 423 reviews and a solid rating of 4.3 stars, we think this anthology is a must-have for any literature lover!

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Price history for 100 Great Short Stories on Amazon

A Century of Fiction

A Century of Fiction in The New Yorker: 1925-2025
Highlights
Diverse range of authors
High-quality storytelling
Rich historical collection

We absolutely loved diving into this anthology of short stories! Published by Knopf, it features a diverse range of authors that ensures there's something for everyone to enjoy .

The high-quality storytelling truly shines through, providing a rich tapestry of tales that span various historical contexts .

However, it’s worth noting that at over 1,150 pages, it’s a bit bulky—perfect for cozying up at home, but not so great for on-the-go reading .

Additionally, it may not cater to younger audiences or those who lean towards digital formats .

Overall, if you cherish depth and diversity in literature, this anthology is a must-have!

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Price history for A Century of Fiction on Amazon

American Short Story Masterpieces Anthology of Short Stories

American Short Story Masterpieces (Dover Thrift Editions: Short Stories)
Highlights
Wide variety of stories
Features major writers
Great value under $4

We absolutely love this anthology of short stories from Dover Publications !

With its fantastic collection featuring major American writers, it’s a treasure trove for literature enthusiasts seeking variety .

At under $4, it's a steal that makes it easy to dive into diverse narratives without breaking the bank .

However, keep in mind it's only in paperback and features a limited selection of American authors, which might not cater to everyone's taste .

While a few stories may not resonate, the excellence of the majority truly shines through .

Dive in, and discover the magic of these pages!

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Price history for American Short Story Masterpieces on Amazon

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