New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1995. dj. Hardcover first edition - A collection of his stories spanning 50 years of writing, selected by Maxwell himself. He was the New Yorker fiction editor for more than 40 years, and the recipient of the American book award. These 23 short stories and 21 "improvisations" are the ones that he deems worth saving. All the tales from "Over by the River and Other Stories" (1977) and from "Billie Dyer and Other Stories" (1992) are included, as are 16 of the 29 improvisations originally published as "The Old Man at the Railroad Crossing and Other Tales" (1966). This also includes the first book appearance of eight other storie. The contents of the stories range from his experiences as a boy in Lincoln, Illinois where he was born, to time spent in France and in New York City. Includes a brief preface by Maxwell. x, 415 pp. ISBN: 0-679438297.