Each print volume in this long-standing series profiles approximately four to eight short story writers by providing full-text or excerpted criticism taken from books, magazines, literary reviews, newspapers and scholarly journals. Among those profiled in this volume are:
This series presents critical views on the most widely studied writers of short fiction. Each volume includes overviews of three to six short story writers, works, or topics and a historical survey of the critical response. Approximately 90-95% of critical essays are full text.
"Only the smallest of libraries, and here one thinks of personal libraries alone, can afford to be without this truly remarkable series." -- American Reference Books Annual (1997)
— ARBA
"This series is recommended for school, public and academic libraries." -- ARBA (American Reference Books Annual) 1999
— ARBA
"This graphically pleasing tool is recommended for academic libraries, many of which will want to place it on standing order." -- American Reference Books Annual (1994)
— ARBA
"Following the tradition of other Gale works, this will be a welcome addition for students needing difficult-to-find information on short story authors. Recommended." -- The Book Report
— ARBA
"Short Story Criticism . . . [is] a wise investment that should pay handsome dividends." -- American Reference Books Annual [1997]
— ARBA
"Entries are fulsome, detailed, and entertaining. The brief sketches about the authors' works are as enlightening as anything else available, and the snatches of criticism are well wrought. Photographs and sketches adorn the text in enlightening and helpful ways. Sidebars, usually set off in boxes, give users some idea of the writer's craft. It is refreshing to see so excellent a paper work as this. Only the smallest of libraries, and here one thinks of personal libraries alone, can afford to be without this truly remarkable series." -- American Reference Books Annual [1997]
— ARBA
