Who are some well - known authors of postmodern short fiction?

Paul Auster is a well - known author in this genre. His works often blend elements of mystery, philosophy, and postmodern narrative techniques. For example, in 'City of Glass', the story unfolds in a complex, self - referential way. Another is Umberto Eco. His novel 'The Name of the Rose' contains postmodern elements within a historical crime - solving context, with layers of symbolism and a play on the conventions of detective stories. And there's also James Ellroy, whose works, like 'L.A. Confidential', often have a gritty, postmodern take on crime, with complex characters and a deconstruction of the idea of heroism in the crime - fighting context.

One of the notable authors is Jorge Luis Borges. His short stories, though not strictly detective fiction in the traditional sense, have postmodern elements that are often applied to detective - like situations. He plays with concepts of time, space, and the nature of knowledge. Thomas Pynchon is also an important figure. His works are complex and full of postmodern devices, with detective - like investigations into the nature of power and conspiracy.

Thomas Pynchon is a significant figure. His books, like 'Gravity's Rainbow', are complex and postmodern. They contain a web of references, from historical events to scientific theories, and often have a fragmented and multi - layered narrative structure.

One of the well - known authors is Jorge Luis Borges. His short stories, which can be seen as precursors to postmodern detective novels, play with concepts like infinite libraries and labyrinthine mysteries. Italo Calvino is also important. His works, such as 'If on a winter's night a traveler', while not strictly traditional detective novels, have elements of mystery and postmodern narrative techniques. And Don DeLillo has written books with postmodern detective - like elements, exploring the nature of modern society and the search for meaning through a kind of detective - style investigation.

Clive Barker is one. His works often blend elements of horror, fantasy, and the grotesque in a postmodern way. For example, in his 'Books of Blood' series, he creates extremely vivid and disturbing horror scenarios that play with the reader's expectations. Another is Thomas Ligotti. His writing is very much in the postmodern horror vein, with a focus on existential dread and the darker aspects of the human psyche. His stories often have a dream - like and disorienting quality.

Jeanette Winterson. Her works often contain elements of postmodernism in the context of love and relationships. For example, in 'Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit', she weaves a complex tale of love and self - discovery with a non - traditional narrative structure.

Arundhati Roy is one. Her novel 'The God of Small Things' is a great example of Indian postmodern literature. It has a non - linear narrative and challenges the caste system and other social norms in India. Another is Salman Rushdie. His works often blend historical events with fictional elements in a postmodern way, like in 'Midnight's Children'.

Donald Barthelme is a well - known author of experimental short fiction. His works are known for their fragmented and postmodern style. For example, his stories often contain a mix of pop - culture references and absurdist elements.

Edgar Allan Poe is a well - known author of collected short fiction. His works are often dark and mysterious, exploring themes like death and the human psyche. Another is Anton Chekhov, whose short stories are known for their realistic portrayal of human nature and relationships.

George Saunders is a popular figure in contemporary short fiction. His stories are known for their unique blend of humor and poignant social commentary. He often uses surreal elements to tell stories about modern - day America.