Dylan Thomas is recognized as a poet first, a scoundrel second, and a writer of fiction third. Thomas is, however, worthy of critical examination as a writer of fiction, especially short stories (though he also wrote radio scripts, two novels, and five published screenplays). While his stature as a poet has not diminished, his reputation as a fiction writer has gained considerably.

Thomas often told friends that he believed his fiction to be inferior to his poetry. He wrote to Stephen Spender on 13 May 1940 that "I do not want to write another straight prosebook yet; it would eventually get me some money, I suppose, but it would mean ten or more poems less, which, I think, would be sad and silly for me." Regardless of what Thomas said about the importance of his fiction, that he devoted as much time and effort to his fiction as he did...