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22 reviews
July 14,2025
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Faulkner truly understands people. It's not hard to fathom why he turned to alcoholism. He was a cynical genius, yet within that cynicism, one could perceive his deep love for humanity. Even today, Faulkner remains as engaging a read as he was during his own era. His quotes are just as astute now as they were then, and he was an incredibly perceptive storyteller. The stories he tells are not painful; rather, they are astonishing in their capacity to convey a loving perspective of a world that is deeply flawed. Faulkner's works have a timeless quality that continues to captivate readers and offer profound insights into the human condition. His ability to blend cynicism with love and to present a complex and nuanced view of the world is what makes him such a remarkable and enduring literary figure.

July 14,2025
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William Faulkner is a writer who initially repelled me. Almost 20 years ago, when I first attempted to navigate the complex maze of words in The Sound and the Fury, I quickly shunned and dismissed him.

It wasn't until about 10 years later that I gave Faulkner another chance with Absalom! Absalom! While the first half was enjoyable, the second half proved difficult to follow. It was only after reading The Unvanquished, Flags in the Dust, Wild Palms, and the brilliant Light in August that I truly recognized his greatness.

Subsequently, I delved into the Snopes trilogy, with its unforgettable characters and small-town drama.

I then moved on to his short stories, starting with The Collected Stories of William Faulkner and now this volume. Although I don't always love his writing style, I must admit he knows how to tell a story in his own atmospheric way. He is subtle, and if your attention wavers for a moment, you'll lose crucial threads needed to piece together the yarn, which is what he expects of us as readers.

This collection contains short stories that were either revised or expanded into novels like The Unvanquished and Go Down, Moses. There are also previously published "orphan" stories and unpublished gems that were only accessible in Faulkner repositories before this publication.

My favorite stories in this collection include Hog Pawn (featuring the wily Flem Snopes), Nympholepsy (a beautiful poetic prose piece), Once Aboard the Lugger (about bootlegging during Faulkner's time in New Orleans), and the outstanding Evangeline and A Portrait of Elmer.

From this book, I learned not only an interesting way to construct a story by gradually revealing clues and allowing the reader to connect the dots (essentially Faulkner's method) but also how short stories can be developed into novels if there's sufficient scope and material. For aspiring writers struggling to write a novel, I suggest starting with this method. Faulkner applied this technique uniquely in Go Down Moses, juxtaposing seemingly unrelated short stories centered around the same families.

Ultimately, I developed a great admiration for Faulkner, a writer fully dedicated to his art and the craft of writing. According to the editor, his biographer Joseph Blotner, Faulkner would constantly revise his stories until he was satisfied. These stories don't emerge fully formed; like a sculptor, he patiently chipped away until the hidden beauty within the stone was revealed. Faulkner worked hard to ensure that what was on paper closely approximated the beautiful visions in his mind.

This collection is highly recommended for anyone interested in story writing, especially Faulkner fans. It's a keeper.
July 14,2025
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Wildly inconsistent in quality, there is a reason some of these stories were uncollected and/or unpublished.

Nevertheless, Faulkner's mastery of prose and evocation is here in some superb examples. For instance, "Miss Zilphia Gant", "Sepulture South: Gaslight", and "Evangeline" are truly outstanding.

The first half of the book is dedicated to early versions of stories that were later reworked into full novels. However, there are also stories that simply never made it to publication.

As such, it is mainly for Faulkner completists like myself. But if you have been impressed by a number of his other works, it is certainly worth a look. You might discover some hidden gems and gain a deeper understanding of Faulkner's creative process and the evolution of his ideas.

Even though the collection has its flaws in terms of quality, it still offers valuable insights into the mind of one of the greatest American writers.
July 14,2025
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Random House seems to be on a blatant money grab. The so-called “Stories later turned into novels” might have some appeal if you've never had the chance to read the full-fledged novels. However, when it comes to the short stories that are labeled as “not included in earlier collections” or “previously unpublished”, there's often a good reason for their omission.

Perhaps they didn't quite meet the standards or fit the overall theme of the previous collections. Or maybe they were simply overlooked in the past. But now, Random House is presenting them as something new and exciting, when in reality, it could just be a ploy to make more money.

Readers should be cautious and not be too quick to jump on the bandwagon. They should consider whether these stories are truly worth their time and money or if they're just another marketing gimmick by the publishing giant.

July 14,2025
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William Faulkner's "Uncollected Stories of William Faulkner (Vintage International)" was published in 1997.

This collection offers a unique and diverse range of stories that showcase Faulkner's remarkable literary talent.

The stories in this volume span different themes, settings, and characters, providing readers with a rich and engaging reading experience.

Faulkner's masterful use of language, his ability to create vivid and complex characters, and his exploration of the human condition are all on display in these uncollected works.

Whether it's a tale of love and loss, a mystery, or a reflection on the nature of society, each story in this collection has something to offer.

"Uncollected Stories of William Faulkner (Vintage International)" is a must-read for fans of Faulkner's work and for anyone interested in exploring the depth and breadth of American literature.
July 14,2025
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The parts *los invictos* and *el villorio* have been completed.

This achievement marks an important milestone in the project.

The completion of these parts means that a significant portion of the work has been accomplished.

It showcases the efforts and dedication of the team involved.

Now, with these parts done, the focus can shift to other aspects of the project.

There may be further refinements and integrations to be made.

However, the completion of *los invictos* and *el villorio* provides a solid foundation for the overall success of the project.

It gives a sense of progress and accomplishment, motivating the team to continue working towards the final goal.

The hard work and determination put into these parts will surely pay off in the end.

July 14,2025
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The best stories are indeed the ones that have the remarkable ability to become integral parts of larger novels.

They possess a certain charm and significance that enriches the overall narrative.

However, there are also many uncollected and unpublished stories out there.

The quality of these stories may vary, but one thing that remains consistent is the uniformly excellent prose.

The writers have a remarkable command over the language, using it to paint vivid pictures, create engaging characters, and tell captivating tales.

Even though these stories may not have found their way into the mainstream, they hold great potential and value.

Perhaps one day, they will be discovered and given the recognition they deserve, adding to the rich tapestry of literature.

Until then, they continue to exist as hidden gems, waiting to be unearthed and cherished by those with a discerning eye for good writing.

July 14,2025
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It can be quite interesting if you happen to be a Faulkner scholar or someone who has a strong desire to take a peek into Faulkner's revision process. However, I am neither of those. In this regard, there is really nothing especially new here for me. I don't have the in-depth knowledge and expertise of a scholar to fully appreciate the nuances and details of Faulkner's revisions. Nor do I have that particular longing to explore his creative process. For me, it just seems like another aspect of Faulkner's work that might be fascinating to some, but doesn't hold the same allure. I can understand the significance it might have for certain individuals, but from my perspective, it doesn't offer anything that truly stands out or grabs my attention.

July 14,2025
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Regarding the GR Reading Challenge, it's quite an interesting situation. Some short stories can be marked as read, while others, regardless of their length, cannot
July 14,2025
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This hodgepodge collection of some of Faulkner's short fiction is divided into three parts.

First, and by far the most significant, are those stories that he revised to become integral parts of later novels such as The Unvanquished, The Hamlet, Go Down, Moses, Big Woods, and The Mansion. Among these, the ones he later incorporated into Go Down, Moses are not only the most crucial but also the finest in the collection.

The second part consists of published short stories that Faulkner never included in any of his short story collections. For the most part, these stories are rather mediocre, inchoate, and contrived.

The third part contains stories that have not been published, and there is a good reason for this. It is truly hard to believe that Faulkner could pen something this bad.

Overall, this volume holds more importance for the Faulkner scholar than for the general reading public. It offers valuable insights into the evolution of his works and the different stages of his writing process. However, for the average reader, some of the stories may lack the polish and coherence that are characteristic of Faulkner's better-known works.
July 14,2025
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I was reading for short-story research and I'm very glad that I did. The exploration into different short stories has been an eye-opening experience. Southern gothic, in particular, has always had a unique charm and will always be a captivating vibe. It has this ability to draw you in with its dark and mysterious elements, yet also touch on the human condition in a profound way. The settings, characters, and themes in Southern gothic stories are often rich and complex, making them a joy to analyze and understand. I look forward to delving deeper into this genre and uncovering more of its hidden gems.

July 14,2025
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"Uncollected Stories of William Faulkner" is a remarkable work by the renowned author William Faulkner, first published in 1997.

This collection offers readers a unique opportunity to explore a side of Faulkner's literary genius that might have otherwise remained hidden. It contains a diverse range of stories that showcase his masterful storytelling skills and profound understanding of the human condition.

Faulkner's writing is characterized by its rich language, complex characters, and intricate plots. In these uncollected stories, he delves into themes such as love, loss, redemption, and the struggle for identity. Each story is a vivid and engaging portrayal of life in the South, with all its beauty, tragedy, and complexity.

Whether you are a die-hard Faulkner fan or a newcomer to his work, "Uncollected Stories of William Faulkner" is a must-read. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century and is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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