The Gift of the Magi

Author: O. Henry (USA)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-06-01
Features: O. Henry (1862–1910) was a renowned American short story writer in the early 20th century. He was famous for depicting the life of 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. His father was a doctor. What brought O. Henry international acclaim were his short stories, especially beloved classics like "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, involving the ordinary people he called "the four million." He wrote for the urban readers and excelled in depicting urban life, earning him the title of "the of Manhattan." The greatest feature of O. Henry's artistry in his 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 relief, even if the outcome was sad, often containing a glimmer of hope—what is known as "a 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 endings made O. Henry's novels lively and engaging, they also lacked depth. For nearly a century, O. Henry's novels have been reprinted worldwide, always retaining a large readership, a testament to their enduring vitality. 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 artistry for the readers. The contents of this book include: "The Gift of the Magi," "A Worldly Philosopher in a Cafe," "The Gift of Love," "The Cop and the Anthem," "The and the Love God," "A Story Left Unfinished," and more.