O. Henry

Ideal for elementary or pre-intermediate learners of English looking to improve and practise their English. The book is filled with useful vocabulary that is carefully graded and easy to understand, it also comes with audio, so that you can listen to the story at the same time as reading.What does a poor young woman do when she loses her boyfriend or wants to find one? What little lies do we tell to make ourselves look better in the eyes of those that we love? How can a friend save someone who is sure that they are going to die? What happens when someone's clever plans go all wrong? These sweetly surprising short stories - about both good times and bad - are sometimes sad, and sometimes funny. But all of them are sure to make you think.

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.

If Jefferson "Parleyvoo" Pickens had appeared in print just a few years later, he might have been the "Gentle Grifter" instead of the "Gentle Grafter", the name O. Henry picked for him. His situation as an ethical graft artist gives Jeff an extra impediment in pursuing his craft, but he never wanted it to be too easy. The result is fourteen delightful tales for us and a number of new partners for him. With those partners (he always has at least one) he works his way through a number of confidence games. Some they win, some they lose, some go into extra innings. They seem never to end just the way you figure they will. In the end he conquers almost all, except for the English language, which often seems to defeat him. (Intro by Leslie Walden)

O. Henry is the pen name of American writer William Sydney Porter (1862-1910). His short stories are known for their wit, wordplay, characterization and the clever use of twist endings. Indeed, O. Henry is often credited with defining the short story as a literary art form. Strictly Business: More Stories of the Four Million, is a collection of twenty-three short stories that was first published in 1908. The setting is New York City in the first decade of the 1900s (the Four Million in the subtitle is a reference to the population of the city at that time as well as to the title of an earlier collection of his short stories). You will meet a wide variety of characters from all walks of life who are trying to make a living via honest (and sometimes dishonest) means. Personal interactions and business transactions abound, but sometimes there is a twist. But dont take it personally if you get fooled, after all it is Strictly Business. - Summary by Warren Kati

A book of poems and short stories. - Summary by Fritz

"The Gift of the Magi is an O. Henry short story in which a young couple are very much in love with each other but can barely afford their one-room apartment. For Christmas, they each make a sacrifice to purchase a gift for the other, with ironic results.The moral of the story is that physical possessions, however valuable they may be, are of little value in the grand scheme of things. The true unselfish love that the characters, Jim and Della, share is greater than their possessions.O. Henry ends the story by clarifying the metaphor between the characters in the story, Della and James (or Jim), and the Biblical Magi. The Gift of the Magi features O. Henrys characteristic twist ending and use of flowery diction."

A collection of short stories.

La ambición del yanki vagabundo que se embarca en busca de fortuna y aventura, la soledad de los enfermos desahuciados que van a los sanatorios en busca de una ilusión, los trotamundos del interior de los Estados Unidos, que lo mismo son capaces de vender remedios magicos que de interpretar a Shakespeare, pero sobre todo el amor, ese amor que puede surgir incluso entre dos duros vaqueros del viejo Oeste, son los temas de estos Rolling Stones. Una coleccion de historias ineditas en su mayor parte que permite al lector acercarse a la obra de O. Henry; un estilista del lenguaje que usa los juegos de palabras, el doble sentido y la parodia, para mostrarnos las miserias y grandezas de sus personajes.Divertido e ingenioso.

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.

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

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--....

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.

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.

Is it possible to get away with a fraud or the lies will catch up on you eventually?Jeff Peters and Andy Tucker are two swindlers who want to make money the easy way. Peters however wants to give something back in return in order to calm his guilty conscience.Will they get caught after one of their "smart" plans to trick and rob a Pittsburg Millionaire? Will Peters find the truth about Tucker? O. Henrys "Conscience in Art" has the answers.

"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?

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?

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?