In 1955, with this short story collection, Flannery OConnor firmly laid claim to her place as one of the most original and provocative writers of her generation. Steeped in a Southern Gothic tradition that would become synonymous with her name, these stories show OConnors unique view of life--infused with religious symbolism, haunted by apocalyptic possibility, sustained by the tragic comedy of human behavior, confronted by the necessity of salvation.These classic stories--including The Life You Save May Be Your Own, Good Country People, The Displaced Person, and seven other acclaimed tales--are sure to inspire a new generation of Flannery OConnor lovers, and remind existing readers why she remains a master of the short story.About the AuthorFLANNERY OCONNOR (1925-1964) was born in Savannah, Georgia. She earned her MFA at the University of Iowa, but lived most of her life in the South. Her work--novels, short stories, letters, and criticism--received a number of awards, including the National Book Award. LAUREN GROFF is the New York Times best-selling author of three novels, The Monsters of Templeton, Arcadia, and Fates and Furies, and two short story collections, Florida and Delicate Edible Birds. She has won the PEN/O. Henry Award, and was a two-time finalist for the National Book Award and a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award.