Best American Fiction Anthologies Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: May 11, 2023

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

American Fiction Anthologies Books are a collection of short stories and novels that showcase the diverse literary talent of American writers. From classic works of the past to contemporary pieces, these anthologies provide a comprehensive look at the evolution of American fiction. They cover a wide range of themes and genres, from romance and mystery to science fiction and horror. These books are perfect for readers who want to explore the rich history of American literature or discover new voices in the modern literary landscape. With their captivating stories and engaging characters, American Fiction Anthologies Books are a must-read for any avid reader.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

The Devil and Sherlock Holmes: Tales of Murder, Madness, and Obsession Cover #TOP 1
The Devil and Sherlock Holmes: Tales of Murder, Madness, and Obsession
ftb score rating icon 9.8
The Great Gatsby: The Original 1925 Edition (Booklover's Library Classics) Cover #TOP 2
The Great Gatsby: The Original 1925 Edition (Booklover's Library Classics)
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Whatever You Are, Be a Good One: 100 Inspirational Quotations Hand-Lettered by Lisa Congdon (Lisa Congdon x Chronicle Books) Cover #TOP 3
Whatever You Are, Be a Good One: 100 Inspirational Quotations Hand-Lettered by Lisa Congdon (Lisa Congdon x Chronicle Books)
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 American Fiction Anthologies Books

The Devil and Sherlock Holmes: Tales of Murder, Madness, and Obsession

Grann, David
Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
Jan 11, 2011
The Devil and Sherlock Holmes: Tales of Murder, Madness, and Obsession Cover
The Devil and Sherlock Holmes: Tales of Murder, Madness, and Obsession

The Devil and Sherlock Holmes: Tales of Murder, Madness, and Obsession is a collection of gripping true crime mysteries written by David Grann. The book takes readers on a journey around the world, exploring the fixations of rogues and heroes that lead them into deadly circumstances. Grann's exhaustive research and superb storytelling make for a titillating read. Each of the dozen intricately crafted accounts carries the spice of intrigue and the momentum of a search. Overall, this book is a must-read for true crime enthusiasts who enjoy bizarre and fascinating stories that are stranger than fiction.

#TOP 2

The Great Gatsby: The Original 1925 Edition (Booklover's Library Classics)

Fitzgerald, F. Scott
Jun 24, 2022
The Great Gatsby: The Original 1925 Edition (Booklover's Library Classics) Cover
The Great Gatsby: The Original 1925 Edition (Booklover's Library Classics)

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a classic novel set in the Jazz Age on Long Island. The story depicts the mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby's obsession with reuniting with his former lover, Daisy Buchanan. The novel explores social class, inherited wealth, race, environmentalism, and the cynical attitude towards the American dream. The book is widely considered a literary masterpiece and a contender for the title of the Great American Novel. The Great Gatsby: The Original 1925 Edition (Booklover's Library Classics) is a must-read for all book lovers who enjoy classic literature and fiction.

#TOP 3

Whatever You Are, Be a Good One: 100 Inspirational Quotations Hand-Lettered by Lisa Congdon (Lisa Congdon x Chronicle Books)

Congdon, Lisa
Chronicle Books
Apr 1, 2014
Whatever You Are, Be a Good One: 100 Inspirational Quotations Hand-Lettered by Lisa Congdon (Lisa Congdon x Chronicle Books) Cover
Whatever You Are, Be a Good One: 100 Inspirational Quotations Hand-Lettered by Lisa Congdon (Lisa Congdon x Chronicle Books)

This book is a collection of 100 inspirational quotes with beautifully hand-lettered artwork by Lisa Congdon. The quotes are from great original minds such as Marie Curie, Joan of Arc, and Oscar Wilde. It is a perfect gift for anyone who needs a pick-me-up or a push to get out there and make the most of their day. The book is an eclectic anthology of motivational quotes and some poems that make it an ideal gift for anyone who enjoys giving or receiving inspirational books. Overall, the book is gorgeous, and it is an excellent addition to any motivational self-help book collection.

Kurt Vonnegut: The Complete Novels: A Library of America Boxed Set

Vonnegut, Kurt
Offit, Sidney
Library of America
Oct 4, 2016
Kurt Vonnegut: The Complete Novels: A Library of America Boxed Set Cover
Kurt Vonnegut: The Complete Novels: A Library of America Boxed Set

The Library of America has released the ultimate collection of Kurt Vonnegut's literary works. The boxed set includes all 14 of the author's novels alongside a selection of his best stories, featuring authoritative annotated texts. The novels of Kurt Vonnegut are among the most enduringly popular and influential works of the last century, and this definitive collector's edition is a must-have for fans and newcomers alike. The set is beautifully presented, with cloth covers, sewn bindings, and ribbon markers. This is the most attractive edition of Vonnegut's work to own, and the perfect addition to any book lover's collection.

#TOP 5

Upstream: Selected Essays

Oliver, Mary
Penguin Books
Oct 29, 2019
Upstream: Selected Essays Cover
Upstream: Selected Essays

Upstream: Selected Essays is a collection of essays by the beloved poet, Mary Oliver. The book reflects on her life, her love for nature, and her passion for writing. Oliver encourages readers to lose themselves in the beauty and mysteries of the natural world and literature. The collection is a compelling synthesis of the poet's thoughts on the natural, spiritual, and artistic worlds. Overall, the book is a must-read for anyone who loves nature and values the significance of artistic labor. The author's unique perspective and writing style make this book a gem that readers will cherish for years to come.

#TOP 6

The Best American Short Stories 2022

Greer, Andrew Sean
Pitlor, Heidi
Nov 1, 2022
The Best American Short Stories 2022 Cover
The Best American Short Stories 2022

The Best American Short Stories 2022 is a collection of twenty of the best short stories from the previous year, selected by Pulitzer Prize winner Andrew Sean Greer and series editor Heidi Pitlor. The contributors' captivating prose and incredible storytelling will plunge readers into fascinating worlds and challenge them to take on new perspectives. This anthology is an excellent choice for those who enjoy short stories and want to discover new authors. The editors have done an outstanding job of selecting a diverse range of stories that are emotionally complex and offer quiet yet powerful moments. Overall, this collection is a must-read for any short story enthusiast.

#TOP 7

A Collection of Poems by Robert Frost (Leather-bound Classics)

Frost, Robert
Mondschein, Ken
Canterbury Classics
Oct 8, 2019
A Collection of Poems by Robert Frost (Leather-bound Classics) Cover
A Collection of Poems by Robert Frost (Leather-bound Classics)

A Collection of Poems by Robert Frost (Leather-bound Classics) is a remarkable volume that brings together all the poems from Frost's first four published collections. The book is a perfect representation of Frost's early works, which depict rural life in New England during the early twentieth century, exploring social and philosophical issues. The use of free verse and American idiom in the poems is captivating and enduring, making them popular with modern readers. The leather-bound edition by Canterbury Classics is a beautiful addition to any poetry lover's collection, and the inclusion of classics such as "The Road Not Taken," "Fire and Ice," and "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" makes it a must-have.

#TOP 8

The Sound and the Fury: The Corrected Text

Faulkner, William
Vintage
Oct 1, 1990
The Sound and the Fury: The Corrected Text Cover
The Sound and the Fury: The Corrected Text

The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner is a masterpiece of twentieth-century literature. Set in the South, the novel depicts the tragic lives of the Compson family, whose personal and financial ruin is imminent. The story is told through the fragmented and harrowed lives of several memorable characters, including the rebellious Caddy, the manchild Benjy, and the neurotic Quentin. Faulkner's writing style is unique, with each character's voice and actions meshing together to create a kaleidoscope of consciousness. The Sound and the Fury is a must-read for anyone who appreciates great literature.

Edgar Allan Poe: The Ultimate Collection

Poe, Edgar Allan
May 17, 2021
Edgar Allan Poe: The Ultimate Collection Cover
Edgar Allan Poe: The Ultimate Collection

The "Edgar Allan Poe: The Ultimate Collection" is a must-read for lovers of mystery and macabre tales. This anthology includes some of Poe's most famous works, such as "The Raven," "The Tell-Tale Heart," and "The Fall of the House of Usher." Poe's contributions to the genres of detective fiction and science fiction are also highlighted. As a central figure of Romanticism in the United States and of American literature as a whole, Poe's writing has stood the test of time. This collection is a comprehensive representation of his work and is a great addition to any bookshelf.

#TOP 10

The Norton Anthology of American Literature

Levine, Robert S.
Gustafson, Sandra M.
Elliott, Michael A.
Siraganian, Lisa
Hungerford, Amy
Avilez, GerShun
Jul 1, 2022
The Norton Anthology of American Literature Cover
The Norton Anthology of American Literature

The Norton Anthology of American Literature is a comprehensive collection that introduces diverse and relevant texts, including Civil War songs, The Great Gatsby, and poems by Claudia Rankine. The Shorter Tenth Edition offers innovative resources, such as the award-winning learning tool InQuizitive, to help instructors tackle today's teaching challenges. The anthology's excellent editorial apparatus and diverse slate of texts make it an ideal choice for online, hybrid, or in-person teaching. Overall, this anthology is a must-have for anyone interested in American literature and culture.

Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are anthologies fiction?

An anthology book is a collection of short fiction, poetry or nonfiction works (or excerpts) by a variety of authors. Typically the book is organized around a particular subject, theme, writing style or genre.

2. What are book anthologies?

An anthology is a collection of literary pieces by various different authors. It can sometimes refer to the collected output of a single author (for instance, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare), but it generally refers to a compilation presenting many different writers.

3. Are anthologies a genre?

Anthologies are not a genre, but a type of story collection. Anthologies are collections of smaller works which may be short stories, essays, or poems. Anthologies may be a blend of different authors following a central theme or genre, or else a book of short stories compiled by the same author.

Editor's Notes

During our american fiction anthologies book research, we found 1,000+ american fiction anthologies book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 56,087 customer reviews through our big data system to write the american fiction anthologies books list. We found that most customers choose american fiction anthologies books with an average price of $13.16.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.