THIS ANTHOLOGY OF SHORT STORIES ENCOMPASSES A LARGER GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE BOTH WESTERN AND NON-WESTERN AND HAS GREATER GENDER BALANCE THAN IS TYPICAL OF MOST SHORT-STORY ANTHOLOGIES. It includes a diverse representation of ethnic voices from within the United States as well as less-frequently-anthologized stories by well-known writers around the world. This second edition of WORLDS OF FICTION includes both classic and contemporary stories that reflect thematic, aesthetic, and cultural variety: different styles, subjects, and points of view as well as diversity of cultural, historical, and gender perspectives. Headnotes and questions for each story provide contextual enhancement and guidelines for critical thinking and reflection.