There are several authors. Ernest Hemingway wrote 'A Clean, Well - Lighted Place' which is an existentialist short story. Charlotte Perkins Gilman is the author of 'The Yellow Wallpaper' which has existentialist undertones. Also, Herman Melville, the man behind 'Bartleby, the Scrivener' which is a significant existentialist piece.
For me, 'The Yellow Wallpaper' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman has strong existentialist elements. The protagonist's descent into madness as she is confined shows the struggle against a repressive society and the search for one's own identity. In addition, 'Bartleby, the Scrivener' by Herman Melville is an interesting existentialist short story. Bartleby's repeated 'I would prefer not to' is a powerful statement about individual agency and the refusal to conform to the demands of a meaningless world. 'The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas' by Ursula K. Le Guin also stands out. It presents a moral and existential conundrum about the price of a utopia.
Well, in the world of short stories, many consider Ernest Hemingway as a great. His stories are known for their terse and powerful prose, like 'The Snows of Kilimanjaro'. Isabel Allende is also a notable short - story author. Her works often blend the magical and the real, as seen in some of her short - story collections. And don't forget about Jorge Luis Borges. His short stories are filled with complex ideas and unique literary devices, like in 'The Garden of Forking Paths'.
One of the best is 'The Stranger' by Albert Camus. It follows the story of Meursault, a detached man whose actions are driven by the absurdity of life. His lack of conventional emotions and his experiences, like dealing with the death of his mother in a rather nonchalant way, make the reader question the norms of society and the meaning of existence.
Jean - Paul Sartre is a very well - known one. His works, like 'Nausea', are prime examples of modern existentialist novels. In 'Nausea', the protagonist experiences a profound sense of disgust with the world around him, which is a common theme in existentialist literature.
I'm not sure exactly which authors are in it without more information. It could include well - known classic authors like Edgar Allan Poe or Anton Chekhov, as well as some contemporary writers who have made a mark in the short story world.
Often, the collection will feature authors who have made a mark in the literary world with their short story writing. Some might be award - winning authors. However, it also gives a platform to new voices. Maybe some of the authors are those who have been self - publishing and finally got recognized for their great short stories. It's really a mix of different levels of experience and writing styles in the world of short - story writing.
One characteristic is their ability to create vivid characters quickly. Take Poe, his characters in short stories are so distinct that they stay in your mind. Another is their skill in setting the mood. Authors like Mansfield can make you feel the melancholy or the joy in the story within a few paragraphs. And they are often great at using symbolism. Borges uses symbols to convey deep philosophical ideas in his short works.
George Saunders is another author whose short stories might be among the 'best new short stories'. His works are known for their unique blend of humor and deep social commentary. There are also emerging authors like Zadie Smith, who has written some remarkable short stories that could be considered among the best new ones. Her writing often delves into complex topics such as race, class, and modern life in a very engaging way.
Edgar Allan Poe is the author of 'The Tell - Tale Heart'. He was a master of the horror and mystery genre. Guy de Maupassant wrote 'The Necklace'. He was a French writer famous for his short stories. Washington Irving wrote 'Rip Van Winkle'. He was one of the first American writers to gain international acclaim.
Since we have no details about the '2nd best short stories' collection, it's impossible to say for sure who the authors are. It might include local authors trying to make a name for themselves, or it could be a compilation of works from established writers from a particular genre or region.