Masterplots II: Short Story Series

First published in 1986, with four supplemental volumes appearing in 1996, this revision expands the number of short stories to 1490 in eight volumes. The contributors, who teach English at American universities (some are independent scholars), have written essays for each story that considers the content, theme, structure and techniques used by the author. The type of plot, locale, principal characters, style, and time are listed at the beginning of the entry. Following a summary of the story, each essay discusses the themes and meanings of the story and the style and technique used in its presentation. Though the majority of writers are North American, many stories are included by writers in the UK and Europe, and some by authors in Africa, Asia, India, Latin America, New Zealand, and Australia. May (California State U., Long Beach), the editor of the revised edition, and Magill (editor of the original edition) have succeeded in wresting an engaging narrative style from their essayists, which may entice the high school and undergraduate students who use this resource to want to read the stories described. Volume 8 contains a glossary of literary terms, a bibliography, and chronological list of titles as well as four indexes, by title, author, geographical, and type of plot. Annotation c2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)