The best American humorous short stories

Originally published in 1920, The Best American Humorous Short Stories was edited by Alexander Jessup with the intention of creating a definitive anthology of American wit. The collection was designed to trace the evolution of American humor from the early 19th century through the post-World War I era, gathering works by celebrated authors such as Mark Twain, Bret Harte, and Edgar Allan Poe. By bringing these disparate voices together, Jessup sought to define a distinctively American literary tradition that favored irony, local color, and the tall tale.

The 2012 CreateSpace edition represents a modern reprint of this classic public domain anthology, intended to keep these foundational texts accessible to contemporary readers. While the original compilation was well-received upon its debut for its scholarly effort to categorize the American comedic spirit, this specific edition serves primarily as a utilitarian vehicle for maintaining the availability of Jessup’s original selection. It remains a staple for those interested in the historical development of short-form American prose and the mid-century editorial perspectives on literary humor.