Showing results by author "O Henry" in All Categories

The American literary tradition has, in a far shorter span of time than others throughout history, achieved a glowing and glittering reputation. From its transatlantic roots it has absorbed the sons and daughters of other cultures, other lands and made them part of her own. Within this melting pot of styles, genres and wordplay one fact stands out: In the American short story, literary tradition has a strong, vibrant and almost inclusive history, if you know where to look.

Murder comes in two familiar forms. Whether as a crime of passion with high emotions or a cold dispassionate plot to take life in order to gain in some way, the act strikes us all as somehow inhuman. Beneath us as civilised beings. But however we cloak our animal instincts the need to remove a human being and gain relief from abuse or gain from money, the term is just the same – MURDER. Robert Louis Stevenson, Arthur Conan Doyle, J M Barrie, W W Jacobs and many others bring their literary heft to bear in as calculating a way as any killer could.

The short story is considered to be one of the most challenging genres because of the need for compact plotlines and the ability to conjure up atmosphere and character in a few sentences and to engage the reader instantly. This collection presents 66 of the greatest examples of the genre - many of them well known, some hidden literary treasures, all of them exquisite examples of the short story at its finest.

When Della finds she doesn't have enough money to buy a proper Christmas present for her beloved husband Jim, radical action is needed. She resolves to cut off and sell her precious hair to raise funds. Armed with the twenty dollars raised, she buys the perfect gift for Jim. But when Jim comes home with his present for her, Christmas takes an altogether unexpected turn....

All over the world, O. Henry, one of the most famous pen names in history, stands for the very best in short-story writing. This audiobook includes 19 of his stories.

El Rescate del Jefe Rojo que relata el hilarante secuestro de Johnny Dorset, el hijo de un acaudalado hombre de negocios, por dos inexpertos criminales con la esperanza de obtener un jugoso rescate. Lo que inicialmente parece un plan infalible rápidamente se torna en una cómica pesadilla cuando descubren que el joven Johnny es más travieso y astuto de lo que jamás podrían haber imaginado.

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 ...

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.

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...

Step into the world of O. Henry, the master of surprise endings, in this captivating collection of short stories. Originally published in 1906, Four Million features twenty-five tales of varying lengths, including some of his most beloved works like The Gift of the Magi and The Cop and the Anthem. The title reflects the vibrant population of New York City, the backdrop for many of these stories. While some elite society members believed only Four Hundred individuals were worthy of attention, O. Henry celebrated the idea that every person in New York had their unique story to tell. This ...

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 ...

In The Gift of the Magi, O. Henry weaves a touching tale of love and sacrifice between a young couple, Jim and Della, who struggle to make ends meet in their modest one-room apartment. As Christmas approaches, each is determined to buy a special gift for the other, leading to a series of ironic twists that reveal the profound truth about love and material possessions. O. Henry beautifully illustrates how their selfless acts of devotion transcend the value of any physical item, ultimately drawing a parallel between their love and the legendary Magi. This timeless story showcases O. Henrys knack...

Dive into a captivating collection of short stories that transport you to different worlds and perspectives, each woven together with imagination and creativity. - Summary by Richard Kilmer

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.

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 ...

Best Seller de O. Henry es un cuento humorístico que satiriza a la industria editorial. La narrativa se desarrolla cuando un autor, al intentar crear un bestseller, descubre sin darse cuenta la imprevisibilidad del gusto popular. El ingenio y la ironía de O. Henry son evidentes a medida que la historia explora la naturaleza voluble del éxito literario.

In a small Texas border town it's up to a measly band of Texas Rangers to stop the rampage of a legendary outlaw. Everything is going according to plan until the leader of the Rangers finds himself face to face with a beautiful woman.

A Baker’s Dozen - A collection of 13 classic Christmas stories.

A rich anthology of forty-five great stories by some of the most renowned storytellers in the world. Saki, O. Henry, Edgar Allan Poe, Barry Pain, Guy de Maupassant, M. R. James, A. J. Allan, Guy Boothby, Jerome K. Jerome and many more giants of the piterary world contribute to this collection of tiny tales which pack a huge punch.

O. Henry was a prolific American short-story writer - a master of surprise endings - who wrote about the life of ordinary people in New York City. Here is "A Blackjack Bargainer," the story of the drunken Yancey Goree, a washed-up lawyer who has lost his money, possessions, property, and self-respect as a result of playing poker. After settling a feud, however, he manages to redeem himself by trading places with an old rival.