This volume collects nine of Maupassant’s most memorable tales, including “Ball of Fat.†Celebrated as one of the greatest short stories ever written, “Ball of Fat†is set during the Franco-Prussian War. It tells the story of Boule de Suif, a prostitute who escapes her village with a chance assortment of travelers, only to be snubbed by her companions when she is no longer instrumental to their safe passage. Full of irony and social criticism, these Maupassant tales remain incredible reads even today.