British short-fiction writers, 1880-1914 : the realist tradition

The style of the writers who were part of the Realist tradition includes the use of naturalistic or journalistic details to describe grim situations; it also embraces social comedy. These writers sought to expose and reform societys deficiencies and injustices. Their settings are the slums of Londons East End and the dark ghettos of the newly industrialized cities of the North. Writers in the Realist tradition often describe with complete candor the baseness of human motives and conduct. Their short stories are often marked by refreshing honesty and vigor, and they are worth reading not only as documents of social history but as expressions of artistic excellence, filled with unforgettable characters and memorable situations.

37 entries include: Arnold Bennett, Ada Nield Chew, Hubert Crackanthorpe, George Gissing, R. B. Cunninghame Graham, Thomas Hardy, Mabel Greenhow Kitcat, Louisa Molesworth, George Moore, Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch, Netta Syrett, Israel Zangw.