Publisher’s Weekly called it “a kind of mini-M.F.A.”

In Object Lessons: The Paris Review Presents the Art of the Short Story, we asked twenty masters of the medium to choose their favorite short stories from our sixty-year archive, and write an introduction. The result is a series of “object lessons” in the art of short fiction, a look back at our incredible history, and, not incidentally, a terrific read.

Can you guess who wrote the following selection?

“Beware of getting out of touch,” his therapist had warned. “It happens gradually. It creeps over you by degrees. When you’re not interacting with people, you start losing the beat. Then blammo. Suddenly, you’re that guy in the yard.”

“I’m who?” asked Buddy.

“The guy with the too-short pants,” said the therapist.

Find out! And show your commitment to keeping the short story alive by purchasing a copy today!