The Penguin Book of Modern British Short Stories by Malcolm Bradbury

Description

“The Penguin Book of Modern British Short Stories,” edited by Malcolm Bradbury, is an anthology that showcases the richness and diversity of British short fiction from the 20th century to the present day. Published in 1987, this collection brings together a wide range of voices and styles, offering readers a comprehensive overview of the evolution of the British short story form.

Bradbury, a prominent British novelist and literary critic, selects stories that reflect the social, cultural, and political landscape of modern Britain. The anthology features works by celebrated authors such as Virginia Woolf, Graham Greene, Angela Carter, Doris Lessing, and Salman Rushdie, among others, as well as lesser-known writers whose contributions are equally compelling.

The stories in the anthology cover a variety of themes and subjects, from the complexities of human relationships to the challenges of modern life, from the supernatural to the mundane. They explore issues of identity, class, gender, and race, offering incisive commentary on the experiences and concerns of British society.

“The Penguin Book of Modern British Short Stories” is praised for its breadth and depth, as well as its editorial insight and scholarship. Bradbury’s introduction provides valuable context and analysis, guiding readers through the literary landscape of modern British fiction and highlighting the significance of each story in the collection.

Overall, “The Penguin Book of Modern British Short Stories” is a must-read for anyone interested in British literature and the art of the short story. It remains a seminal work in the field of literary anthologies, offering a treasure trove of masterful storytelling from some of Britain’s finest writers.