Humorous American Short Stories: Selections from Mark Twain, O. Henry, James Thurber, Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. and more (Dover Thrift Editions: Short Stories)

Mark Twain, O Henry, Kurt Vonnegut, Washington irving, Dorothy Parker, and many other famous and lesser known writers supply short samples of their humorous sides. These are quick and easy reading and many are real gems that you probably would not come across today. I really enjoyed it.

This is a collection of short humorous articles covering more than 200 years.The first few articles are humorous, but you have to adjust you mind to what is considered "funny." Writing was much more elaborate and complex in 1732 ("Alice Addertongue" by Ben Franklin. As you progress through the stories and progress through the years, you will see how humor has changed. You have probably noticed that humor on television has changed greatly over the last few decades, or even the last decade. As a result, not every short story will be appealing. If so, just move on to the next story. There is a wide variety of types of humor in this book, and some (but probably not all) will very likely appeal to you.

None of these stories are actually all that humorous, least of all "Harrison Bergeron." There is a good mix of time periods though. This could be useful for a short story unit for teachers. I was entertained by the 2012 story by Simon Rich. I read it to my (high school) students and they found it both entertaining and thought provoking. (Part of the entertainment may have come from my voice acting.)

The choice of stories is excellent and a great support for an American Lit class. The only drawback for my mixed grade alternative learning class is the layout and printing. Several students have a hard time getting past the cramped small print. It just looks forbidding to them.

great collection of entertaining, well written stories.

Upon receipt I noticed the compilation resembles something on a summer reading list. I like it anyway. Some may consider the humor dated. I for one enjoy the subtle, exceptionally versed passages of past eras where the written word reigned supreme. Product really brings out the inner "white guy".

I was looking for a story online and couldn't find it. It was published in this book so I bought it.

Bought this for the Walter Mitty story, as well as everything else. Rip Van Winkle was very enjoyable. The Ben Franklin story was very interesting as a historic read. Worth the money.

The humour was hidden so deeply that obscure would be flattering. It was no advertisement for what amuses American folk.