In a series of essays written by leading contemporary exponents of the short story such as David Constantine, A. S. Byatt, and Frank Cottrell Boyce, this anthology examines the work and genius of past masters such as D. H. Lawrence, Anton Chekhov, and Frank O'Connor. Each essay examines three stories in particular from each literary luminary from both a critical and creative point of view as it seeks to understand the elements that make for an enduring short story. What becomes apparent in this unique, cross-disciplinary reader is that complicated plots, story arcs, and narrative layering, far from being the province of the novel or feature films, are amply present in short fiction as well, a literary form that has a long tradition of deploying some of the most tightly coiled, daring, and complicated structures of any. This is an indispensable resource for short story lovers, creative writing students, and fans of the past masters being examined or the contemporary authors of each piece.