We began to call a roll of American story-tellers, and as name after name was mentioned, the question arose in our minds as to whether or not every story- teller might not have one story in his private drawer which no magazine would agree to publish because of its gruesome character. The conviction grew among us that a grim story, no matter whether it was a literary masterpiece or not, was hoodooed. And then the inspiration came. Why not try to find thirteen hoodooed masterpieces by thirteen unlucky masters, and throw them upon the mercies of the public for a vote? No sooner suggested than done. Story-tellers, critics, and publisher for once were agreed. If there were thirteen unlucky stories. in America good enough to print in a book, we would find them and publish them with our appeal for judgment. So here they are." - Summary by Edward J. O'Brien -from the Introduction