Tillie Olsen’s first four short stories, whose characters are interwoven, gathered together in her first book. Each of these four stories were selected for Best American Short Stories the year they were published; the title story won the O. Henry Prize in 1961. “Hey Sailor, What Ship?” is told by an aging, alcoholic Merchant Marine; in “O, Yes” a white mother watches her daughter’s friendship with a Black come under scrutiny from her schoolmates; “I Stand Here Ironing” is a woman’s intensely honest response to her daughter growing up; and “Tell Me a Riddle” tells the story of an elderly Jewish immigrant couple facing the wife's death in an unforgettable study of pain and longing. Olsen wrote very few books but her influence spans literature and journalism, feminism, women’s rights, and poverty reform. This first edition paperback has some blemishes and wear to the cover, and inscription from previous owner, otherwise very good condition.

J.B. Lippincott and Company, Philadelphia and New York, 1961

5.25” x 8”