THE COMPLETE MISSISSIPPI VOICES

Welty, Eudora (1909–2001)

The Collected Stories Of Eudora Welty [Southern Gothic]

New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1980.

The definitive gathering of short fiction by a master of the American South. 

This volume assembles for the first time forty-one stories from one of the most decorated writers of the twentieth century, spanning her debut 'A Curtain of Green' through 'The Bride of the Innisfallen' and beyond.
Welty’s work, known for its profound empathy and sharp observational wit, is here presented as a cohesive legacy, capturing the diverse social and psychological landscapes of Mississippi with unparalleled lyricism.
This collection remains a cornerstone for any study of the American short story and solidified Welty’s status as a peer to Faulkner and O’Connor.

KEY FEATURES
+++ Binding: Original cloth; bindings are tight and square.
+++ Content: A comprehensive collection of forty-one stories, including a preface by the author.
+++ Imprint: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, New York, 1980.
+++ Edition Statement: First Edition, Second Printing (number line ends in 'B').
+++ Specs: Octavo; 622 pages.

CONDITION: Very Good in a Good Jacket.
+++ The Book: The bindings are tight and square. The internal text is clean and free of markings, showing only light, even age-toning consistent with 1980s trade production. Minimal shelf handling wear to the boards.
+++ The Jacket: The dust jacket is present with the original price intact. It shows moderate wear, specifically at the spine tips. While the jacket is graded 'Good' due to these vulnerabilities, it remains a presentable example of this major literary collection.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE --
Eudora Welty occupies a unique space in American letters, having won the Pulitzer Prize and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Her work is a primary document of the 20th-century Southern experience, focusing on the nuances of family, community, and the 'inner life'.

The publication of 'The Collected Stories' in 1980 was a major literary event, effectively canonizing Welty during her lifetime. It provided the first opportunity for critics to view her short fiction as a singular, developing arc of genius.

While many of her individual stories (such as 'The Ponder Heart') have seen various stage and screen adaptations, this collection stands as the textual wellspring for her enduring cultural influence.

SCHOLARLY FEATURES
+++ Southern Gothic & Realism: Represents the bridge between traditional Southern storytelling and the modern psychological interiority for which Welty is celebrated.
+++ Bibliographical Milestone: The first time Welty’s disparate collections were unified into a single scholarly and trade volume.
+++ Authorial Preface: Features a significant introductory essay by Welty reflecting on her craft and the origins of her narratives.

SUBJECTS: Southern Literature, Mississippi Authors, Short Stories, American Fiction, 20th Century Literature, Collected Works, Modern First Editions.

Item #21917
ISBN: 0151189943

Price: $45.00