The Best American Humorous Short Stories

Alexander Jessup has collected some of the best in American humorous short stories into one volume. The truly great American storytellers are represented in this volume. Edgar Allan Poe who is known primarily for his horror stories is represented here with his story The Angel of the Odd. Edward Everett Hale has written a delightful story entitled My Double: And How He Undid Me. A Visit to the Asylum For the Aged and Decayed Punsters was written by Oliver Wendell Homes. And no collection of humorous short stories would be complete without The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County by Mark Twain. There are twenty other stories to delight the reader.

Alexander Jessup (born 1871) was an American literary scholar, editor, educator, and author who devoted much of his career to the study, appreciation, and preservation of English and American literature. Although he is not as widely remembered as many of the writers whose works he edited, Jessup made a lasting contribution to literary education by compiling influential anthologies and introducing generations of students to classic short stories and essays. His work reflected a deep respect for literature as both an art form and a means of understanding human nature.

Born in the United States in 1871, Jessup pursued an academic career during a period when the systematic study of literature was becoming an important part of higher education. He developed a particular interest in fiction, especially the short story, which he regarded as one of the most expressive and accessible forms of literary writing. Rather than seeking fame as a novelist, he dedicated himself to teaching, literary criticism, and the careful selection of works that could educate and inspire readers.

Jessup is best known for editing several respected anthologies, including The Book of the Short Story, Representative American Short Stories, Representative Modern Short Stories, and The Best American Humorous Short Stories. These collections brought together works by distinguished authors such as Edgar Allan Poe, Mark Twain, O. Henry, Bret Harte, and Frank R. Stockton. Through thoughtful introductions and careful editorial selection, Jessup helped readers appreciate the development of the short story as a literary genre and highlighted the diversity of American writing. His anthologies became valuable resources in schools and colleges, influencing literary study for many years.

In addition to his editorial work, Jessup wrote books such as The Charm of Youth and Prosper Mérimée, demonstrating his interest in literary history, criticism, and European literature. His writings reveal a scholar who valued clarity, careful analysis, and the enduring power of well-crafted storytelling.

Although relatively little is known about the details of Alexander Jessup's personal life, his professional achievements continue to be recognized through the books he edited and authored. His dedication to preserving literary excellence helped make classic fiction more accessible to students and general readers alike. Today, he is remembered as a thoughtful editor and educator whose work enriched the study of literature and ensured that many timeless stories would continue to inform, entertain, and inspire future generations.