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International Short Stories: American
Bookshelves: Fiction, Literature, Category: American Literature, Category: Short Stories
Summary
"International Short Stories: American" by William Patten is a collection of notable short stories written in the early 20th century. This anthology features well-known works from prominent American authors, including Nathaniel Hawthorne and Washington Irving, highlighting the depth and variety of American literature. The intent of the book seems to be to celebrate and showcase a selection of exemplary narratives that reflect the American experience and its cultural influences. The opening of the collection introduces readers to the first story, "The Prophetic Pictures" by Nathaniel Hawthorne. In this tale, we meet Walter Ludlow and his fiancée, Elinor, who are intrigued by a talented painter with the uncanny ability to capture not just the physical likeness but also the inner essence of his subjects in his portraits. As they prepare to have their portraits painted, an unsettling air surrounds them, hinting at a deeper connection between the paintings and their fates. The story sets the stage for themes of destiny, identity, and the profound impact of art on life, creating a compelling atmosphere of both anticipation and foreboding. (This is an automatically generated summary.)