The Gift of the Magi - World Literature Library

Author: O. Henry
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features: O. Henry (1862–1910) was a renowned American short story writer of the early 20th century. He was famous for depicting urban life in New York City, though he was not a native New Yorker. His original name was William Sydney Porter, and he was born in a small town in North Carolina, where his father was a doctor. What brought O. Henry international acclaim were his short stories, particularly such beloved classics as "The Gift of the Magi," "The Last Leaf," and "The Cop and the Anthem," which represent the highest achievement of his career as a novelist. Whether in content or style, O. Henry's works were products of American soil and were justly called the "humorous encyclopedia of American life." O. Henry wrote about both the East and the West, but his most celebrated stories took place on the streets of New York City, among the ordinary people he called "the four million." He wrote for the urban readers and excelled at depicting urban life, earning him the title of the "Poet Laureate of Manhattan." The greatest artistic feature of O. Henry's novels was their "unexpected ending." The plot seemed to be moving in one direction, only to take a surprising turn. Generally, these unexpected endings brought some comfort, even if the outcome was sad, often containing a glimmer of hope—what was known as the "tearful smile." Tragic stories like "The Furnished Room" were rare in O. Henry's works. However, the unexpected endings often relied heavily on chance, and too much chance could create a distance from reality. Thus, while the "unexpected ending" made O. Henry's novels lively and engaging, it also made them lack depth. For nearly a century, O. Henry's novels have been published worldwide, always retaining a large readership, proving the vitality of his works. In 1918, the United States established the annual "O. Henry Memorial Award" to honor achievements in short story writing. O. Henry's name has long been associated with the craft of short story writing and the joys and sorrows of ordinary people. This collection includes the most representative works of this master of the short story, showcasing his distinctive artistic style for the readers' enjoyment.