The four novels of Pierce, published between 1953 and 1974, all won national attention and critical acclaim, and many critics believe that the importance of this writer will continue to grow. This collection of stories, written in the 1940s, show how quickly a gifted author learns and develops his craft. The collection, taken as a whole, reveals a remarkable portrait of a time and place. Originally published in 1976. A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.