Some of the authors might be Raymond Carver. His minimalist style of writing short stories has had a significant impact on American literature. Another possible author could be Flannery O'Connor. Her stories often have strong religious and moral undertones. And of course, there could be many other emerging or less - well - known authors that the editors of this book have chosen to include to show the breadth of American short - story writing.
I'm not sure exactly which edition you mean, but it might include well - known authors like Ernest Hemingway. His short stories are often praised for their concise and powerful prose.