The five stories in this book show the different styles of five American authors in the 19th century. From the early fairy-tale story of Rip Van Winkle to the later horror story of The Cask of Amontillado, the mystery story of Rappaccini's Daughter, the humorous story of The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County and also The Ransom of Red Chief, a story with a surprise ending!