This isn't a single story, but a whole collection picked by editor Edward J. O'Brien as the best short fiction published in American magazines in 1922. Think of it as a literary yearbook. It includes famous names like Sherwood Anderson and F. Scott Fitzgerald, but also dozens of writers who have since faded from memory. The stories cover everything: a man dealing with a sudden inheritance, a strange encounter on a train, the quiet tensions in a marriage, and glimpses into the lives of immigrants and working people.

Why You Should Read It

Reading this collection is a unique experience. You're not just reading stories; you're feeling the pulse of a specific moment in time. The shadow of the recent war hangs over some pieces, while others burst with the energy of the Jazz Age. What struck me most was how immediate the emotions feel—jealousy, hope, loneliness—even though the world has changed so much. It's a powerful reminder that good storytelling is timeless. You'll also get O'Brien's commentary on the state of publishing that year, which is like getting director's notes on the whole era.

Final Verdict

Perfect for curious readers who love history, aspiring writers wanting to study the craft's evolution, or anyone who enjoys a good short story and wants to try something completely different. It's not a fast-paced modern thriller; it's a thoughtful, rewarding journey into the past. Keep an open mind, and you'll find some real gems that have waited a century for your attention.