Short stories are concise works with limited scope and characters. They aim to evoke single effects or mood through single incidents. Stories can be as few as several hundred words
Story of two widowed sisters in a small Bay Province house. Sisters mourn their husbands' deaths during Canadian warfare. Innkeeper Goodman Parker delivers news of their husbands' survival. Sister Mary initially resists but later experiences joy. Mary awakens to find her husband alive and well
William Sydney Porter (O. Henry) was born in 1862 in Greensboro, North Carolina. He worked as a pharmacist and drafter at Texas General Land Office. Moved to Texas in 1882, where he met his first wife Athol Estes
First published in 1855 with twelve poems, later expanded to over 400. Whitman spent most of his career writing and expanding the collection. Six to nine editions produced, each with different content and design. First edition included Emerson's letter praising it as America's greatest contribution
Margaret Mitchell's 1936 novel about Scarlett O'Hara during Civil War. Became America's bestseller in 1936-1937, with over 30 million copies sold. Pulitzer Prize winner and adapted into 1939 film, winning Academy Award
Born Samuel Langhorne Clemens in 1835 in Missouri. Worked as printer's apprentice and typesetter before becoming riverboat pilot. First gained fame with "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" in 1865. Moved to Nevada Territory, then to San Francisco as journalist