Hilarious, exuberant, subtle, tender, brutal, spectacular, and above all unexpected- these two extraordinary volumes contain the limitless possibilities of the British short story. This is the first anthology capacious enough to celebrate the full diversity and energy of its writers, subjects and tones. The most famous authors are here, and many others, including some magnificent stories never republished since their first appearance in magazines and periodicals. The Penguin Book of the British Short Storyhas a permanent authority, and will be reached for year in and year out. This volume takes the story from the 1920s to the present day. 'Surely there is something to be said for drawing a circle around our attention and remaining within that circle. But how large should this circle be?' Zadie Smith, The Embassy of Cambodia