This new general introduction emphasises the importance of the short story to an understanding of modern fiction. In twenty succinct chapters, the study paints a complete portrait of the short story - its history, culture, aesthetics and economics.
Set in a neo-medieval society 150 years after a worker uprising in 1924, ex-artillery officer Jeremy Tuft navigates a world where technology and knowledge have been lost. Initially disoriented by the simplicity and peace of this new life, he finds himself challenged when northern tribes threaten London. Faced with this danger, Tuft must draw on his past expertise to recreate weapons of mass destruction, highlighting the tension between progress and a return to primal survival.
This collection features diverse perspectives on the New Woman movement, showcasing a novel by a staunch critic alongside two works that embody the archetypal themes of New Woman fiction. The contrasting viewpoints offer insight into the evolving roles of women during the period, highlighting both opposition and advocacy for female independence and identity.