O. Henry

Four short episodes from a master storyteller. O. Henry paints vivid scenes detailing the weaknesses and strengths of ordinary people. Personal sacrifice, greed, foolish pride and all-conquering love are portrayed with warmth and humour.

Una tradizionale storia di Natale con un finale decisamente imprevedibile, una coppia di squattrinati in cerca del regalo perfetto, una Vigilia di Natale nel selvaggio West, un barbone che cerca disperatamente di farsi arrestare per passare l''inverno al caldo e un altro che decide di emigrare al sud.Dal padre della short story americana, sei capolavori di delicatezza e ironia sul tema del Natale.

Step into the boarding houses and furnished rooms of New York City, or take a stroll around the park. Observe the tumult and glitter of Broadway on a Saturday night, and browse the silken stockings in Manhattans most exclusive store. Hop onto the Coney Island ferry to join the lovesick shop-girl, the drunken down-and-out, and the secret millionaire in the citys dance of folly and pleasure. Bringing to life the glamour and squalor of the 1900s, O. Henrys unmistakable tales are by turns hilarious or tragic, but always deeply poignant. As fresh and alive as the day they were written . . . He wrote so many good stories its hard to choose. - John SteinbeckA central figure in American popular literature. - Harold Bloom

In "The Gift of the Magi and Other Tales of New York," O. Henry masterfully weaves together a collection of poignant short stories that delve into the complexities of urban life in early 20th-century New York. Known for his wit and twist endings, O. Henrys writing showcases a keen understanding of human nature, love, sacrifice, and the unexpected turns of fate. Each tale serves as both a vivid snapshot and a social commentary on the struggles of the citys inhabitants, blending humor and pathos in a distinctly American literary style. The collections title story, perhaps his most famous, epitomizes the themes of selflessness and irony that permeate his work, making it a poignant reflection on the true meaning of gift-giving amidst economic hardship. O. Henry, born William Sydney Porter, drew inspiration from his varied experiences as a writer, bank teller, and even a prisoner. His own encounters with love and loss, coupled with the vibrant energy of New York City, profoundly influenced his storytelling. O. Henrys unique narrative style, enriched by his Southern roots and adroit use of local color, resonates throughout his stories, allowing readers to see both the mundane and the extraordinary in everyday life. I highly recommend "The Gift of the Magi and Other Tales of New York" to anyone seeking a profound and entertaining exploration of the human condition. O. Henrys deft storytelling and insightful observations invite readers to reflect on their own lives while enjoying the rich, textured world of New York. This collection is not merely a delightful read; it is an essential piece of American literature that continues to resonate.

Perhaps, if he had known that Adele had stood at the gate on that unlucky night, where she had followed, lingering, to await the return of her brother and lover, wondering why they had chosen so tempestuous an hour and so black a spot to hold converse--if he had known that a sudden flash of lightning had revealed to her sight that short, sharp struggle as Victor was sinking under his hands, he might have explained everything, and she--....

It is not very often that we get to read a story told by a dog. However O. Henrys "Memoirs of a Yellow Dog" gives us a peek through the dog Loveys mind. Lovey feels a strong despise for his mistress - a fat lady who does nothing but eat and gossip. At the same time he is determined to save his owner who is constantly working and trying to provide for his unthankful wife.This comic tale about the love and loyalty between a pet and his owner is turned upside down. But this is exactly why O. Henrys stories with surprise endings are so popular and loved.

Hartley and Robbins meet one another in a building so near to the railroad that the smell of coal unceasingly wafts in through the open windows. A detective enters the room where they are chatting and tells Hartley that he has found the address of the girl. Who is this girl and why is she so special that Hartley promises her everything to persuade her to go with him? O. Henry gives us the answer to the mystery in an explosive surprise, even by his own standards.American short story master O. Henry is best known for his pithy, witty scores and surprise endings. In doing so he made commonplace experiences extraordinary and memorable. His work has been immortalised in the popular 1952 film O. Henrys Full House starring Fred Allen, Anne Baxter, Marilyn Monroe and Jeanne Crain.

"Buried Treasure" is a story about rivalry and love, greed and trust, friends and enemies. Jim and Goodloe Banks fight for the love of May Mangum. Although they seem to be evil adversaries, they spend much of their time together trying to obtain even more details about her and her interests. Their plans however change when May disappears all of a sudden. Their love rival turns to a search mission.Is May the treasure they are not willing to let go? Will they unite in the name of the woman they love? Will they get the future they have longed for or they will be left with the bitter feeling of failure?

The swindler Jeff Peters is after his next victims in the small town Fisher Hill. He is left with only 5 dollars and instead of falling into despair, he finds a way to trick the whole town. Everything goes according to plan until mayor Banks finds out the truth. Jeff has to prove him wrong. What the swindler does not know is that one of his old acquaintances seems to have teamed up with the mayor."Jeff Peters as a Personal Magnet" is a typical short story with a twist which will keep you on the edge of your seat till the last page. Will Jeffs true identity be revealed? Can he become the victim of his own evil plan or he will find a way out of this mess?

In The Girl and the Graft O. Henry challenges the traditionally held expectations of a womans role in society. With his hallmark matter-of-fact wit, O. Henry questions the chasm between womens and mens socio-economic conditions in the newfound era of womens activism. The unfairness that the protagonist addresses is that men are the sole proprietors of "all the money in world." A must read for fans of satirical short stories and feminists alike. American short story master O. Henry is best known for his pithy, witty scores and surprise endings. In doing so he made commonplace experiences extraordinary and memorable. His work has been immortalised in the popular 1952 film O. Henrys Full House starring Fred Allen, Anne Baxter, Marilyn Monroe and Jeanne Crain.

"All right. I suppose you think Im spoiled by the city. Im as good a Westerner as you are, Greenbrier; but, somehow, I cant make up my mind to go back out there. New York is comfortable - comfortable. I make a good living, and I love it. No more wet blankets and riding herd in snowstorms, and bacon and cold coffee, and blowouts once in six months for me."An Arizona cowboy on a short visit to New York finds himself rubbing shoulders with an old friend- but finds the man deeply changed by his seven years living in the Big Apple. Can he convert him back to his old ways without alarming too many fellow New Yorkers?American short story master O. Henry is best known for his pithy, witty scores and surprise endings. In doing so he made commonplace experiences extraordinary and memorable. His work has been immortalised in the popular 1952 film O. Henrys Full House starring Fred Allen, Anne Baxter, Marilyn Monroe and Jeanne Crain.

"The Furnished Room" is a short story about love and dedication, about exhaustion and despair. A young man is in search for a girl he fell in love with. He rents a room near the theaters where she is to be seen and he devotes his days to the dream of finding her. When all of a sudden the sweet fragrance of her perfume fills his room Is he finally blessed with success? Or this is an evil ghost from the past? Will he get to embrace the girl he loves or she will drag him to the verge of sanity?

Do you believe that people can change? Can a bank robber marry the bankers daughter without having any hidden thoughts and intentions?"A Retrieved Reformation" tells the story of Jimmy, a formal prisoner, who decides to quit violating the law in the name of love. He takes up a new identity and starts a new life as an honorable man. However he is about to face a choice which can cost him his future.Will he sacrifice himself in order to save a child in danger or he will prefer to keep his old identity in secret?

O. Henry’s stories are very famous. He writes about New York, Texas, Oklahoma ... Money and love are often problems. But how is a story going to finish? You never know. Readers always remember his st

Los cuentos de O. Henry tienen una característica que los hace inconfundibles, su final con sorpresa. La última línea resuelve, siempre con maestría, una trama, compleja en su camino por los sentimientos pero clara en la descripcion de sus protagonistas. Jorge Luis Borges, que lo admiraba profundamente, dijo de el: Edgar Allan Poe sostenia que todo cuento debe redactarse en funcion de su desenlace; O. Henry exagero esta doctrina y llego asi al trick story, al relato en cuya linea final acecha una sorpresa. Esto no es un cuento y otros cuentos recoge doce historias de nitida escritura, sentido del humor paradojico y un estilo directo, con una tecnica que hoy llamariamos avant la lettre, cinematografica. O. Henry decia que en Nueva York hay cuatro millones de historias, las de sus cuatro millones de habitantes: desde el amor o mas bien la dura conquista de la mujer al negocio del heroismo, desde el periodismo a la caballerosidad sureñas, las leyes capitalistas de la oferta y la demanda o los indios civilizados que estudian griego y solo arrancan la cabellera de sus contrincantes en los partidos de futbol americano, sus narraciones cargadas de humor y de un enorme pragmatismo nos cuentan hechos insolitos en las vidas de gente corriente.

Illus.: H. C. Greening and May Wilson Preston