Great New American Short Stories

About the Book

Sit back and relax with a cup, a jug, or a glass of your favorite beverage while you enjoy reading each of these thirty sparkling short stories from some of the finest freshman English students around the country.

About the Author

Melville House is proud to again sponsor publication of the winning entries of the prestigious William Henry Oerter Literary Prize for Short Story. Popularly known as the “WHO,” the prize was created by the late distinguished editor at Brown & Shue, Desmond Scott Rubinstein (pictured) to nurture the potential creative writing talents of freshman English students. The WHO was named in honor of the late William Henry Oerter, the brilliant young professor of humane thought at Mundane University.

With so many outstanding entries, Mr. Rubinstein recommended the prize en masse to all thirty entrants. At the awards ceremony in early April, each winner will receive a framed certificate of completion (with distinction); a specially commissioned friendship bracelet with attached WHO medallion (see cover), and the optional shot glass of Grand Marnier at Terry McGuffey’s Lower Manhattan (just ask anyone). Friends, bystanders, and literary agents are all invited to mingle with the awardees until.

William H. Melville

Syosset, New York

August 1974