Dark and nightmarish, Shirley Jackson's short stories represent a singular and ever-powerful genre unto themselves. "The Lottery" remains one of the most terrifying stories ever published--all the more so for its lucid, convincing realism--and one of the most controversial; it has become an essential classic of American fiction. This selection of Jackson's stories showcases a true master at the height of her haunting powers.

The intoxicated -- The Daemon lover -- Like mother used to make -- Trial by combat -- The villager -- My life with R.H. Macy -- The witch -- The renegade -- After you, my dear Alphonse -- Charles -- Afternoon in linen -- Flower garden -- Dorothy and my grandmother -- And the sailors -- Colloquy -- Elizabeth -- A fine old firm -- The dummy -- Seven types of ambiguity -- Come dance with me in Ireland -- Of course -- Pillar of salt -- Men with their big shoes -- The tooth -- Got a letter from Jimmy -- The lottery -- Epilogue.