If you’ve ever been an early adopter of new technology, you’ve probably experienced the ‘bugs’ that often make their appearance only after you’ve made your purchase. Today’s story, ‘The McWilliamses and the Burglar Alarm’ by Mark Twain, is a farcical look at the chaos and confusion that often accompanies brand new technology. The story reminds me of devices like the Ring camera and similar products that don’t work quite as expected, especially when first introduced. Twain’s 1882 version of these early adopters explores themes of human gullibility, the absurdities of modern technology, and the irrational fears that drive people to adopt such innovations. He uses humor to highlight the folly of placing blind trust in new inventions without considering their practicality or consequences. It’s a classic example of Twain’s writing style characterized by vivid storytelling, humor, satire, and social commentary. To be first in line for the latest and greatest technology could invite frustration and possibly even regret. 

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Text version: https://americanliterature.com/author/mark-twain/short-story/the-mcwilliamses-and-the-burglar-alarm

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Ernest Hemingway’s stories were often semi-autobiographical and today’s story, ‘A Canary For One’ is no exception. In early 1926, Hemingway’s wife, Hadley Richardson, became aware that Ernest was having an affair with Pauline Pfeiffer. In the midst of writing this story later that year, Hadley filed for divorce which became finalized in 1927. Hemingway went on to marry Pfeiffer that same year.

This is another classic example of Hemingway’s ‘Iceberg Theory’, sparse dialogue, symbolism, and tension beneath the surface that leaves much unsaid. It also explores the themes of loneliness and isolation, control (or lack of it), and discontent.

The fact that, ‘The Sun Also Rises’ had just been published and was on the verge of making Hemingway a major literary figure, makes this seemingly simple story all the more impactful. The three characters on a train ride to Paris will experience very different destinations once they arrive.

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Text version: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Yf317xiHFXhpVyptFb1rwf3NtrK-tVm8-CKTP3BO51A/edit?usp=sharing

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"That story probably had more left out of it than anything I ever wrote. I left out all Chicago, which is hard to do in 2951 words." This is what Ernest Hemingway had to say about today’s story, ‘The Killers’. One of his most famous short stories, it tells the tale of two hitmen, most likely Chicago mobsters, who enter a diner in Summit, Illinois searching for an ex-prizefighter named Ole Andreson. It also includes the semi-autobiographical Nick Adams, a recurring character throughout many of Hemingway’s works. "The Killers" is known for its spare prose, hard boiled dialogue, and exploration of the human condition. It is yet another example of Hemingway's iceberg theory, where much of the story's meaning is implied rather than explicitly stated. The story has been adapted into films and many other works and has left a lasting impact on literature. In particular, American short fiction.

Please note, the story contains several instances of the derogatory term for African-Americans. While I personally do not condone the use of the word,  it was an often-used term at the time so I chose to present the story as written. My sincere apologies to anyone who may take offense.

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Text version: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jUstDdb0uVLT0t5l_KjgkIYPPeNS6S3y9DPBHjX9JSE/edit?usp=sharing

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Trigger warning: This story depicts a sexual assault that may not be suitable for all listeners

In last week’s episode, I mentioned that almost all of Ernest Hemingway’s early writing was stolen from a Paris train station in 1922. The story I present today, "Up in Michigan" is one of the only stories that survived. This could be due to the fact that Hemingway felt this story was not suitable for publication. So, perhaps he kept it separated from his other writings. This brings me to a trigger warning for this story. It does include a depiction of sexual assault. The story is set in Michigan and revolves around a young woman named Liz Coates. The narrative explores Liz's romantic and sexual desires, and it unfolds through a series of interactions with various men. One of the key elements of the story is Liz's attraction to a man named Jim Gilmore.

Hemingway's prose in "Up in Michigan" is spare and economical, emphasizing the iceberg theory, where much is left unsaid and implied beneath the surface. As it is one of Hemingway's early works, his writing style continued to evolve over the years. Still, this story provides insight into his exploration of human emotions and relationships, as well as his minimalist and impactful narrative style.

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Text version: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lSyc_bjsnrA9pysg9av1fy_hYtvuM1KO_-laS_-ylq0/edit?usp=sharing

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in our time by Ernest Hemingway has a complex literary history. The 1924 edition, which I am presenting today, consists of 18 chapters although they are probably more aptly described as ‘vignettes’. Almost certainly commissioned by his friend, Ezra Pound, six of the vignettes were first published in the literary magazine, The Little Review in 1923. A year later, Hemingway had written 12 more vignettes and revised a few of the originals as well. They focus on war, bullfighting and current events he was covering as a journalist at the time. It was published by Three Mountains Press with the title using all lowercase letters. The 1925 edition featured these same 18 vignettes interwoven among 14 new short stories Hemingway had written throughout 1924. This time, each word was capitalized in the title.

An interesting side note: Hemingway was on assignment in Paris in 1922. His wife, Hadley Richardson, traveled to meet him in Switzerland and brought all his earlier fiction writing with her packed in a valise. The valise was promptly stolen in a Paris train station. All but one or two of his early works were lost. The in our time vignettes are the first works of fiction Hemingway wrote after this terrible event.

Please note, the vignettes include some slang terms regarding certain ethnic groups that are not considered acceptable today. They do not reflect my personal views.

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Text version: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/61085

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I want to start by wishing you all a Happy New Year! With the new year brings several new copyrighted works into the public domain. Since this is an audio show, I won’t be doing anything involving Mickey Mouse and Steamboat Willie. And, since my show features short stories, I’ll leave The House at Pooh Corner by A.A. Milne alone. What I’m presenting to you today is the first piece of standalone fiction by one of my favorite playwrights, Tennessee Williams. The Vengeance of Nitocris was published in 1928 under his given name, Thomas Lanier Williams when he was just 16 years old. Williams later said of this early work, ‘If you're well acquainted with my writings since then, I don't have to tell you that it set the keynote for most of the work that has followed’.

The story illustrates his interest in Shakespeare and especially his fascination with the quote, ‘Blood and guts’ Shakespeare found in his favorite play at the time, Titus Andronicus. If you’re a fan of Tennessee Williams, you’ll probably recognize themes, relationships and characters that permeate his later works like The Glass Menagerie, Cat On a Hot Tin Roof and A Streetcar Named Desire.

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Text version: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Vengeance_of_Nitocris

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Today’s story, New Year’s Eve and How it Came to Houston is by O. Henry, whose real name was William Sydney Porter. Yes, two stories in a row by O. Henry! Published on January 1, 1896 in the Houston Daily Mail, what I find so fascinating about this story is that later that year, Porter was arrested by Federal Authorities stemming from a 1894 embezzlement charge. However, right before his trial, he fled Houston. First to New Orleans and then to Honduras in order to avoid extradition. While in Honduras, he wrote his novel, Cabbages and Kings. There’s much more to the story but I’ll leave it for another episode.

In New Year’s Eve and How it Came to Houston, O. Henry employs a technique he used throughout his writing career - loitering in places like hotel lobbies while listening, observing and talking with people. It provides little snapshots into the mood of people as they prepare to leave behind the old year and forge ahead into the new.

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Text version: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1J9oRLICtnINjNvM8_GbB4LPswaoWy9MbNhI821UB3fE/edit?usp=sharing

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Today’s story is "The Gift of the Magi" by American author William Sydney Porter, better known by his pen name, O. Henry. The story was first published in 1905 and is a poignant exploration of the theme of sacrificial love and the nature of true wealth. The term "Magi" refers to the wise men who brought gifts to the baby Jesus, emphasizing the parallel between the selfless acts of the biblical Magi and the sacrificial love demonstrated by Jim and Della in the story.

This is a timeless tale that has become a classic in American literature. It’s celebrated for its emotional resonance and the enduring message of love and generosity.

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Text version: https://fullreads.com/literature/the-little-dollars-christmas-journey/

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