The first collection of stories from "one of the great short story writers of our time" (The Philadelphia Inquirer) breathed new life into the American short story, showing us the humor and tragedy that dwell in the hearts of ordinary people. "[Carver's stories] can ... be counted among the masterpieces of American Literature. " --The New York Times Book Review "One of the great short story writers of our time--of any time. " --The Philadelhpia Inquirer "The whole collection is a knock out. Few writers can match Raymond Carver's entwining style and language. " --The Dallas Morning News