Providing an excellent handbook of American and English short story, as well as a priceless volume for the traveler, Edward J. O'Brien's recently published collection entitled. "The Best Short Stories of 1937" is a book of unlimited appeal merely because every reader no matter how fastidious he is in his choice of lighter reading may find within its covers several stories which satisfy his tastes.

Among the authors represented are found such names in contemporary literature as William Faulkner, whose great book "Absalom, Absalom" provides him with an entree into the library of any literateur; Ernest Hemingway, whose recently published "To Have and Have Not" is arousing so much critical comment; Morley Callaghan; William Saroyan, one of the most outstanding of contemporary short story writers, Lovell Thompson, Benedict Thielen, and many others.

Aside from the fictional content of the Book are lists of the important short stories published recently in magazine form, biographical notes on authors, and other information regarding the short story field. The book is an annual publication of Houghton and Mifflin which serves among other things to introduce many hitherto unknown writers. Many of the authors have restricted their works to less widely known periodicals which are not available to the average reader.

Both student and instructor will and this book an excellent tool for a study of the technique of the short story. Above all it is outstanding for its readability. "The Best Short Stories of 1937" is a valuable collection to any collection of contemporary literature.