anthology

An anthology is a published collection of literary works chosen by an editor or compiler. It typically gathers writings by multiple authors, though some anthologies collect works by a single author arranged around a theme, period, or genre. Anthologies may present poetry, short stories, plays, essays, or other forms, and are often organized to showcase a particular subject, nationality, era, or movement.

Origins trace to the classical term anthologia from Greek, meaning a “flower-gathering,” a curated collection of poems from various poets. In the modern sense, editors select, annotate, and contextualize pieces, sometimes including introductions, biographical notes, and bibliographies.

Purpose of anthologies is to introduce readers to a range of voices, genres, or topics; to preserve and curate cultural material; and to offer representative samples for study or enjoyment. They differ from complete works, readers, or miscellanies in their curated scope and editorial frame.

Formats and scope vary widely. Anthologies exist in print and digital formats and can be themed, such as poetry anthologies, science fiction collections, regional or historical anthologies, or “best of” compilations. They may be organized around a nationality, era, movement, or a particular subject matter.

Notable examples include The Best American Short Stories series, The Golden Treasury, and The Oxford Book of English Verse. Editorial choices in anthologies influence how readers encounter literature, reflecting taste, market considerations, and broader cultural aims.