Summary
Edited by Alexander Jessup, The Best American Humorous Short Stories is a carefully curated anthology that showcases the wit, satire, and comedic spirit of American literature from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Featuring works by celebrated authors such as Mark Twain, O.
Henry, and Washington Irving, the collection captures the many shades of humor—from sharp social commentary and clever wordplay to whimsical character sketches and lighthearted storytelling.
These tales not only entertain but also reflect the cultural attitudes, eccentricities, and everyday life of their time, making the volume both a delightful read and a valuable contribution to American literary heritage.