Scribner Paper Fiction,1986
Reissued with a new introduction, 1996
Debra Spark was just 23-years-old when she edited 20 Under 30. The best-selling anthology introduced the voices of a new generation of writers whom Bob Shacochis called “the master storytellers of the 21st century.” 20 Under 30 stands as a record of their early efforts, a vital document that reveals why they would soon ascend to the highest ranks in contemporary fiction writing.
20 Under 30 collects the early work of David Leavitt, Lorrie Moore, Leigh Allison, Mona Simpson, Susan Minot, Ann Patchett, David Updike, Kate Wheeler, Bret Lott, Emily Listfield, and many more.
The new edition, re-issued ten years after the original, includes a preface by Spark, providing a look back at her experience compiling this groundbreaking collection.
Praise
“It is heartening to see talented literary apprentices learning their craft and producing spellbinding stories. We should be hearing from the writers in this excellent collection for a long time to come.”
—The New York Times Book Review
“20 Under 30 should be patented—it’s that full of miraculous invention, incantation, and heartfelt reality.”
—Jayne Anne Phillips
“The after-effect of this anthology is good goose bumps.”
—Carolyn Chute
