Showing results by author "O. Henry" in All Categories

Jim and Della are a poor couple, struggling to make ends meet. When the holidays roll around, Jim decides to sell his most prized possession to give his beloved the gift of her dreams. Della does the same for Jim, much to the surprise of the other. O. Henry's classic tale of sacrifice and true love rings in this wonderful season of hope and happiness in an unforgettable way.

Seven contrasting short stories, all set at Christmastime: 'Mr. Huffam' by Hugh Walpole, 'A Strange Christmas Game' by J. H. Riddell, 'The Christmas Tree and the Wedding' by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, 'The Snow' by Hugh Walpole, 'The Gift of the Magi' by O. Henry, 'The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle' by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, 'The Cop and the Anthem' by O. Henry.

"The Gift of the Magi" is not read or heard widely after one leaves high school, which is a shame, because it is such a magical story about expectations being crushed by realities, and the turn of events, which O. Henry was so masterful at achieving. The interesting twist is that these two people both sacrifice for each other, but that means neither of their gifts works out as planned. However (and O. Henry is full of howevers), the two are deeply in love and shrug it off and move on in their happiness.

Here are three of the most wonderful Christmas stories ever written, presented for you along with two short pieces that just can't be left out of any Christmas collection worth its salt.

"O. Henry" is the pen name of American writer William Sydney Porter whose short stories are known for their wit, warm characterization and clever, unexpected endings. The Princess and the Puma is one of porter's best, and most anthologized stories.

Dive into the captivating world of O. Henry, the literary master renowned for his unforgettable short stories with twist endings. This collection features 16 exceptional tales that showcase his incredible storytelling prowess. Among these gems are The Rose of Dixie, The Hiding of Black Bill, Supply and Demand, and A Poor Rule. Each story is a testament to O. Henrys ability to sculpt words into delightful narratives that will leave you both entertained and reflective. Join us as we explore the artistry of O. Henry, narrated by Phil Chenevert.

In this series we explore the many facets of love through literary talents that span both time and country. Love comes in many forms, many shades and many hues. There is one though that society wants more than any other and it is now part of our culture. Yes, the Happy Ending.

O. Henry, born William Sydney Porter in 1862, was a master storyteller whose pen name emerged from his time in prison. While serving a sentence for embezzlement, he penned The Four Million, his second book, which features a captivating collection of short stories set in the vibrant streets of early 20th-century New York City. Known for his signature twist endings and humorous takes on chance encounters, O. Henry beautifully captures the essence of ordinary lives through extraordinary narratives. He famously remarked, “There are stories in everything. I’ve got some of my best yarns from ...

Cabbages and Kings marks O. Henrys debut published volume and stands out as his singular novel. The narrative unfolds through a series of captivating short stories, inspired by the author’s six-month adventure in Honduras during the late 1890s. As O. Henry himself noted, the tales weave together a tapestry of diverse subjects, at times appearing to lack any clear connection. Yet, by the end, readers discover the intimate ties that unite them all. The New York Times Book Review aptly remarked on the unique charm of this work, stating, “...one finds a joy in its every obscurity.” For over ...

Step into the bustling streets of early 20th-century New York City with Strictly Business More Stories of the Four Million. Written by the celebrated O. Henry, the pen name of William Sydney Porter, this captivating collection features twenty-three short stories that showcase his trademark wit, clever wordplay, and unforgettable characters. Each tale is a delightful exploration of the diverse lives of individuals striving to make a living, often through both honest and not-so-honest means. With engaging personal interactions and business dealings at their core, these stories frequently deliver...

O. Henry, a master of short stories, penned over 600 tales that capture the essence of humanity. Among my personal favorites, Ive narrowed it down to 20 standout stories that exemplify his unique writing style and ability to bring characters to life in just a few words. From this selection, Ive chosen five exceptional works The Gift of the Magi, The Cop and the Anthem, Man about Town, A Cosmopolite in a Cafe, and Mammon and the Archer. Join me on this delightful journey as I read aloud these cherished stories, bringing to life the joy and wit that O. Henry has gifted us with over the years. ...

Dive into the world of O. Henry with these twelve captivating stories that explore the lives of waifs and strays—those who find themselves adrift in the unpredictable currents of life. Will these characters navigate their own way, receive a helping hand from kind-hearted souls, or remain outsiders in the fabric of society? Each tale showcases O. Henrys masterful storytelling, rich with beautiful language and unexpected twists. If youre ready to be swept away by enchanting narratives and the delightful unpredictability of lifes endings, these stories are a must-listen. (Summary by Phil ...

Dive into the enchanting world of Heart of the West, a captivating collection of short stories by the iconic O. Henry. Experience the charm and wit of his storytelling, as brought to life by the talented sidhu177.

This is the humorous story of the royal huntress Josefa. When a lion was about to attack her, a knight intervened, to her chagrin, as she wanted to shoot it. The knight then claimed that the lion was his pet and that he tried to protect it, and Josefa played along but as it turns out, never believed it.

Sherlock Holmes faced his nemesis Professor James Moriarty, but O. Henry’s Shamrock Jolnes faced the murderer Avery Knight. Is it possible Knight could use deductive reasoning better than the great New York detective? This delightful parody mirrors Doyle’s Holmes, but adds some well-placed humor.

A humorous parody of “Sherlock Holmes’. This classic storyteller resets the scene to New York where Shamrock Jolnes and his friend Whatsup are optimistic, but a bit bumbling. Deductive reasoning plays a key role in this tale of personal pride in the heart of a slightly forgetful detective.

Narrator Glenn Hascall magnificently captures the characters of this O. Henry short story about holding up a train.

An eclectic selection of short story classics by great writers of latter day such as Jack London, O' Henry, M.R. James, G.K. Chesterton, James Joyce and Anton Chekhov.

Here is another of O. Henry's entertaining "surprise ending" stories. A girl moves to the city looking for a friend she had lost track of and finds him in a very unusual way.

William Sydney Porter was born on 11th September 1862 in Greensboro, North Carolina. At age 3 his mother died from tuberculosis. From an early age it was clear Porter had a large appetite for reading as he absorbed the world around him. He was a member of several singing and dramatic groups when he met 17 year old Athol Estes, daughter of a wealthy Austin family. Despite her mother’s objection owing to Athol’s tuberculosis, they began courting and in July 1887, they eloped and soon married.