Is this a good first anthology of short stories?

Yes, if you want a cheap sampler of classic authors. It is not a comprehensive academic collection.

How does it compare with other Dover Thrift anthologies?

It follows the same format: low price, small paperback, no heavy notes. Pick by which authors you want.

Readers often call the type small and the margins tight. If large print matters, look elsewhere.

The best new price was $1.59 at alibris as of November 7, 2026, with 4 stores listing it new.

Expect a brief editor's selection rather than study notes. It is a reading copy, not a textbook.

4 stores we checked sell it, including alibris, Walmart, Target, Booksamillion.

At alibris, for $1.59, 79% under what the other stores charge, as of our latest check.

$1.59at alibrisObserved at 7:23 AM

79% under what the other stores charge

Compared across 4 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when. Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

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