In the following introduction, Selig investigates the circumstances surrounding the writing of Gissing's American stories, and asserts that “his large body of fiction accepted in America paved the way later for Gissing's success.”

In the following essay, Selig outlines the themes and plots of Gissing's most accomplished short stories: “A Victim of Circumstances,” “Comrades in Arms,” “The Schoolmaster's Vision,” and “The House of Cobwebs.”

In the following excerpt, which was originally published as the introduction to the 1906 edition of The House of Cobwebs, Seccombe surveys the distinctive qualities of Gissing's fiction and places him in context with other nineteenth-century English authors.

In the following review of Stories and Sketches, Leavis discusses the biographical background to Gissing's fiction.

In the following essay, Coustillas provides a thematic analysis of the short fiction comprising The Day of Silence and Other Stories.

In the following essay, Swinnerton offers a mixed assessment of Gissing's short fiction, but praises his adept characterization, particularly his female characters.

In the following essay, Lefew traces the influence of Charles Dickens on Gissing as demonstrated in “Joseph Yates' Temptation.”

In the following essay, Adams deems Gissing's short story “The House of Cobwebs” as an allegory depicting the fate of the artist in society.

In the following essay, Ware expounds on the allegorical meaning of the Jerusalem artichokes in “The House of Cobwebs.”

In the following review, Aiken discusses Gissing's later works.

In the following review, the critic offers a favorable assessment of The House of Cobwebs.