Eudora Welty

by Carol Ann Johnston

Whether "Why I Live at the P.O.," "Clytie," or "Moon Lake," a short story by Eudora Welty (b. 1909) is remarkable for its ability to convey the lyrical in everyday life, to offer haunting glimpses into the interior lives of individuals. Known for her marvelous ability to render the life and character of the deep South, Welty is particularly admired for her unfailing powers as an observer and her keen ear for the spoken word. In Eudora Welty: A Study of the Short Fiction, Carol Ann Johnston provides a first-rate guide to the writer's canon of short stories. Emphasizing the influence on Welty's literary craft of her work as a photographer for the Works Progress Administration during the Great Depression, Johnston presents a compelling appraisal of the writer's unique contributions to the tradition of the short story. An original approach to appreciating the accomplishments of a singular voice in American literature, Eudora Welty: A Study of the Short Fiction holds definite appeal for stu