Early Stories by Tennessee Williams

"The Early Stories of Tennessee Williams is an edited collection of thirty previously unpublished short stories written in the 1930s when Williams was living in St. Louis during a tumultuous period for the nation and himself. The stories and accompanying commentary attempt to expand awareness of the narrative fiction by Williams that is less well-known than either his plays or poetry. Because for many readers Williams is considered a writer associated with the Mississippi Delta, New Orleans, and the American South, this collection will broaden awareness of his relationship to the Midwest. The stories highlight aspects of the writer's biography relative to his young adult years in St. Louis, Columbia, and the Missouri Ozarks offering insight into the relationships between the author, his family and close friends. The influence of proletarian fiction and leftist ideas are evident in Williams's stories of the Great Depression as are themes of sexual turmoil and inner passions inspired by authors like D. H. Lawrence. In notes for each story, additional context is provided regarding locations, occupations, and individuals. All of this enriches a critical understanding of Tennessee Williams's major works like The Glass Menagerie, A Streetcar Named Desire, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Night of the Iguana, and Suddenly Last Summer. A special essay, 'Manifestations of the Erotic in the Early Stories of Tennessee Williams' is authored by Thomas Keith, who has edited Tennessee Williams's dramatic works and is also editor of Love, Christopher Street: Reflections of New York City, a collection of essays addressing LGBTQ life from Stonewall to the dawn of the 21st century"--