The Greatest "Anthologies" Books of All Time Written by Women

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This collection epitomizes the pinnacle of literature authored by women, aggregating selections from 300 'best of' book lists into a definitive guide to the most acclaimed works by female writers. This aggregation reflects a comprehensive evaluation of literary achievements, offering a rich tapestry of perspectives and voices. For a deeper understanding of our selection methodology and the rigorous criteria behind these rankings, please visit our rankings page.

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Anthologies

Anthologies are collections of literary works, such as short stories, poems, or essays, compiled into a single volume. These books often showcase the works of multiple authors, providing readers with a diverse range of perspectives and styles. Anthologies can be organized around a theme, genre, or time period, and are often used in classrooms or book clubs as a way to explore different literary voices and themes. They offer readers the opportunity to discover new writers and to appreciate the breadth and depth of the written word.

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  1. 1. Poems of Emily Dickinson by Emily Dickinson

    This collection of poetry encapsulates the works of a renowned 19th-century American poet, known for her unique style and themes. The poems, often characterized by their unconventional punctuation and capitalization, explore a wide range of topics including death, immortality, love, and nature. The poet's introspective and often cryptic style has made her one of the most studied and celebrated figures in American literature.

  2. 2. Complete Poems by Elizabeth Bishop

    "Complete Poems" is a comprehensive collection of works by a renowned poet, showcasing her mastery of language and imagery. The book features a wide range of themes including travel, nature, loss, and human connection. The poet's keen eye for detail, unique perspectives, and her ability to infuse ordinary moments with profound insights, make this collection a compelling exploration of the human experience.

  3. 3. Selected Stories of Alice Munro by Alice Munro

    This collection of short stories offers a comprehensive view of the author's narrative talent, showcasing her ability to create complex characters and situations that reflect the human condition. Set in various locations, from small Canadian towns to exotic foreign locales, each story delves into the intricate relationships, personal struggles, and quiet triumphs of its characters. The author's writing is marked by her keen observation, psychological insight, and the ability to convey the extraordinary within the ordinary, making each story a unique exploration of life's complexities.

  4. 4. The Lottery and Other Stories by Shirley Jackson

    "The Lottery and Other Stories" is a collection of short stories that explore the dark side of human nature, often through the lens of seemingly ordinary people and events. The titular story follows a small town's annual ritual, which ends in a shocking and brutal act of violence. Other stories delve into themes of alienation, prejudice, and the human capacity for cruelty, all while maintaining a veneer of normalcy and routine. The collection is known for its unsettling atmosphere and its ability to reveal the sinister undercurrents of everyday life.

  5. 5. The Bloody Chamber And Other Stories by Angela Carter

    "The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories" is a collection of short stories that reimagines and deconstructs traditional fairy tales. The narratives are filled with strong female characters, sexual exploration, and violent and gothic themes. Each story presents a unique spin on classic tales, such as Little Red Riding Hood, Beauty and the Beast, and Bluebeard, challenging the typical gender roles and expectations found in the original stories.

  6. 6. The Complete Poems of Marianne Moore by Marianne Moore

    This comprehensive collection comprises the complete works of a renowned 20th-century poet, known for her precise and innovative use of language. The poems range from the early to late stages of her career, reflecting her changing perspectives and evolving style. The poet's unique voice, often characterized by her keen observations, wit, and love for nature, shines through in this collection, making it a must-read for both scholars and fans of modernist poetry.

  7. 7. Collected Works of Edna St. Vincent Millay by Edna St. Vincent Millay

    This collection encompasses the prolific works of a renowned Pulitzer Prize-winning poet. The book includes her famous sonnets, lyrical poems, and plays, all of which are marked by their romanticism, feminism, and social and political commentary. Her profound exploration of human emotions and experiences, particularly love and loss, along with her distinctive poetic style, has left an indelible mark on American literature.

  8. 8. The Portable Dorothy Parker by Dorothy Parker

    This anthology is a comprehensive collection of the sharp-witted and poignant works of a celebrated American writer, known for her acerbic wit and keen observations of 20th-century urban life. It includes an array of her short stories, poems, essays, and reviews, showcasing her talents across different literary forms. The volume captures the essence of the author's incisive commentary on topics ranging from love and relationships to social issues, all delivered with her distinctive blend of humor and melancholy. Her writing remains a testament to her status as a formidable figure in American literature and a chronicler of the complexities of the human experience.

  9. 9. This Bridge Called My Back by Cherríe Moraga, Gloria Anzaldúa

    This seminal anthology is a groundbreaking collection of essays, personal reflections, poetry, and critical analysis from a diverse group of women of color. It explores the complexities of their intersectional identities, focusing on the challenges and experiences they face due to their race, gender, class, and sexuality. The work serves as a foundational text in feminist theory, providing a platform for voices that had been marginalized within the feminist movement. It delves into themes of social justice, cultural identity, and political activism, calling for solidarity and empowerment among women of color as they navigate the overlapping oppressions of a patriarchal and racist society.

  10. 10. Bad Behavior: Stories by Mary Gaitskill

    "Bad Behavior: Stories" is a collection of short stories that delve into the darker, often unexplored aspects of human relationships and behavior. The narrative navigates through the complex world of love, lust, power, and obsession, focusing on characters who are often marginalized or misunderstood. The stories provide a raw, unfiltered view of human nature, exploring themes of sexual deviance, emotional vulnerability, and societal norms.

  11. 11. The Golden Apples by Eudora Welty

    "The Golden Apples" is a collection of interconnected short stories set in the fictional town of Morgana, Mississippi. The narratives follow various characters at different stages of their lives, providing a comprehensive picture of the town and its inhabitants. The stories are rich with symbolism and explore themes like love, loss, and the passage of time, all against the backdrop of Southern life and culture.

  12. 12. The New Oxford Book Of English Verse by Helen Gardner

    This anthology is a comprehensive collection of English poetry, spanning centuries from the medieval period to the 20th century. It showcases the evolution of English verse, featuring works from a wide array of poets, both renowned and lesser-known. The selection emphasizes the richness and diversity of English poetic tradition, offering readers a broad spectrum of themes, styles, and perspectives. Edited by a distinguished scholar, the collection is curated to highlight the beauty, complexity, and depth of English literature, making it an essential volume for poetry enthusiasts and a valuable resource for students of English literature.

  13. 13. The Writer on Her Work by Janet Sternburg

    "The Writer on Her Work" is a collection of essays by various female authors who discuss their experiences, challenges, and perspectives on writing. The book explores the complexities of being a woman in the literary world, shedding light on topics such as gender bias, the struggle for recognition, and the balance between personal life and professional aspirations. It provides a unique insight into the creative process, revealing how these women navigate their craft amidst societal expectations and personal obstacles.

  14. 14. Poems, New And Collected, 1957 1997 by Wislawa Szymborska

    This book is a collection of poems written by Wislawa Szymborska from 1957 to 1997. The poems explore a wide range of topics, including love, death, nature, and the human experience. With her unique and thought-provoking style, Szymborska delves into the complexities of life, often with a touch of humor and irony. Through her powerful and evocative language, she invites readers to reflect on the profound and sometimes contradictory aspects of existence.

  15. 15. The Country Of The Pointed Firs And Other Stories by Sarah Orne Jewett

    This book is a collection of sketches and stories that capture the essence of life in a small coastal village in Maine at the turn of the 20th century. Through the eyes of a summer visitor, the narrative delicately weaves together the lives, traditions, and landscapes of the region, offering a poignant look at the bonds between the people and the place they call home. Rich with local color and characterized by a gentle, contemplative pace, the work celebrates the beauty of the natural world and the simple, enduring values of a tight-knit community.

  16. 16. The Heptameron by Marguerite de Navarre

    The book is a collection of 72 short stories presented as a frame narrative, where a group of travelers, stranded by floods at a monastery in the Pyrenees, decide to entertain themselves by each telling a story every day for ten days. The tales, which were inspired by Boccaccio's "The Decameron," explore themes of love, lust, infidelity, and the complexity of human relationships, often with a moral or religious lesson embedded within them. The stories are told by characters from different social backgrounds, providing a rich tapestry of Renaissance life and offering insight into the societal norms and gender dynamics of the time. The work is notable for its candid and sympathetic portrayal of women's experiences and its subtle critique of contemporary mores.

  17. 17. Anecdotes of Destiny by Isak Dinesen

    "Anecdotes of Destiny" is a collection of five short stories, each with a unique exploration of human nature, destiny, and the complexities of life. The tales range from a woman who must choose between three suitors, to a young man who gambles his fortune on a single pearl, to a couple who make a pact with the devil. The stories are rich in symbolism and metaphoric language, offering profound insights into the human condition and the mysterious workings of fate.

  18. 18. Christina Rossetti: The Complete Poems by Christina Georgina Rossetti

    This book is a comprehensive collection of poems by a renowned 19th-century poet. It includes all her known works, ranging from her youthful verses, devotional poems, and love lyrics to her later, darker musings on mortality. The collection showcases the author's mastery of rhythm and rhyme, her rich use of imagery, and her exploration of themes such as love, loss, and spirituality. It offers readers a chance to immerse themselves in the depth and beauty of her poetic world.

  19. 19. The Little Virtues by Natalia Ginzburg

    "The Little Virtues" is a collection of essays that delve into the fabric of everyday life, exploring themes such as the intricacies of family relationships, the importance of personal growth and integrity, and the role of education and parenting. The author reflects on her own experiences, including her upbringing in Italy, the impact of World War II on her life, and her observations on the cultural and societal norms of her time. With a blend of personal anecdote and philosophical insight, the essays advocate for the pursuit of larger virtues—such as generosity, honesty, and courage—over the 'little virtues' like frugality and caution, suggesting that a life well-lived is one that embraces the full spectrum of human potential and kindness.

  20. 20. Flowering Judas and Other Stories by Katherine Anne Porter

    "Flowering Judas and Other Stories" is a compilation of short stories that explore complex themes of love, betrayal, and death, often through the lens of the author's own experiences and observations. The stories are set in various locations including Texas, Mexico, and Berlin, and feature a range of characters, each grappling with their own personal struggles and moral dilemmas. The titular story, "Flowering Judas", revolves around a young woman's involvement with a Mexican revolutionary group and her struggle with guilt and disillusionment.

  21. 21. Open Secrets: Stories by Alice Munro

    "Open Secrets: Stories" is a collection of eight short stories that delve into the complex lives of women, exploring themes of love, loss, and the secrets that bind and divide people. Set in various locations, from small-town Ontario to Australia, the stories feature characters grappling with their pasts, negotiating relationships, and confronting the mysteries of life. The narrative oscillates between past and present, revealing the profound and often unsettling truths hidden beneath the surface of ordinary lives.

  22. 22. African Stories by Doris Lessing

    This collection of stories offers a diverse and multifaceted portrayal of African life, drawing from the author's own experiences growing up on a farm in Rhodesia. The tales span across time, from pre-colonial Africa to the modern era, and tackle themes of race, colonialism, gender, and power. The narratives are richly detailed, providing a vivid glimpse into the complexities and contradictions of African society.

  23. 23. The Collected Stories of Katherine Anne Porter by Katherine Anne Porter

    This collection of stories showcases the author's talent for creating vivid, richly detailed characters and settings. The stories are diverse in theme and setting, ranging from the rural American South to post-World War I Europe. Through her complex characters and nuanced storytelling, the author explores themes of love, loss, and the human struggle for personal freedom and authenticity. The collection includes both her short stories and her longer, more complex novellas, providing a comprehensive overview of her literary achievements.

  24. 24. Sisterhood Is Powerful by Robin Morgan

    "Sisterhood Is Powerful" is a collection of essays that provide an in-depth exploration of the women's liberation movement in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s. The book features writings from various feminists, addressing a wide range of topics such as women's rights, sexism, racism, and reproductive rights. It examines the intersectionality of gender, race, and class, and calls for unity and collective action among women to challenge and dismantle patriarchal systems.

  25. 25. Renascence and Other Poems by Edna St. Vincent Millay

    "Renascence and Other Poems" is a collection of lyrical and thought-provoking poetry that explores themes of love, death, nature, and the human condition. The book features the author's early works, including the titular poem, "Renascence," a long-form piece that garnered significant attention and acclaim. The author's expressive language and powerful imagery create a captivating and emotionally resonant reading experience.

Reading Statistics

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If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download