{"title":"Books by O. Henry","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"9780241597019","title":"The Gift of the Magi","description":"\u003cb\u003eIntroducing Little Clothbound Classics: irresistible, mini editions of short stories, novellas and essays from the world's greatest writers, designed by the award-winning Coralie Bickford-Smith.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA Penguin Classic Hardcover\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eO. Henry is one of the most popular American writers of the twentieth century and a true master of the short story. This selection of tales ranges from Christmas in New York to the cattle-lands of Texas, taking in con men, clerks, shop assistants, tramps and tricksters. They all highlight O. Henry's comic eye, his gift for evoking speech and setting, and his unique approach to life's quirks of fate.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43128935776434,"sku":"9780241597019","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780241597019.jpg?v=1786012749"},{"product_id":"9780140186888","title":"Selected Stories","description":"\u003cb\u003eEighty short stories by a master of the genre \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eO. Henry's comic eye and unique, ironic approach to life's realities are unmatched. These stories—about con men and tricksters and \"innocent\" deceivers, about fate, luck, and coincidence—have delighted generations of readers. Set in New York and the West, in Central America and the South, they demonstrate O. Henry's mastery of speech and place, and highlight his appreciation of life's quirks.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56224037044597,"sku":"9780140186888","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780140186888_cb68c4db-8c24-4786-89d6-446b778e94bf.jpg?v=1786011044"},{"product_id":"9780194248907","title":"Dominoes: Level 2:: Eight Great American Tales","description":"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 all go 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.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56226030551413,"sku":"9780194248907","price":11.6,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780194248907_24381386-c10b-41a6-b203-5348e045c638.jpg?v=1786011591"},{"product_id":"9780451530530","title":"41 Stories","description":"\u003cbr\u003eBinding: Paperback \/ softback","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56290482192757,"sku":"9780451530530","price":7.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780451530530_af86b17c-641f-491b-8ea8-a7dafe176330.jpg?v=1786013739"},{"product_id":"9781598538335","title":"O. Henry for the Holidays","description":"\u003cb\u003eTHE PERFECT GIFT FOR BOOK LOVERS: Get all 7 of O. Henry’s classic Thanksgiving and Christmas stories, including \"The Gift of the Magi,\" in one short story collection!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eComplete with helpful notes about each short story's biographical and cultural contexts\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“There are just as many real Christmas stories as ever, if we would only dig ’em up,” wrote William Sydney Porter. The first short story he published under the pen name O. Henry was a holiday tale (“Whistling Dick’s Christmas Stocking”), while his best-known work, “The Gift of the Magi,” has inspired countless Yuletide movies and television episodes. Library of America presents all seven of his seasonal offerings—including two about Thanksgiving, the “one day that is purely American”:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Purple Dress \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo Thanksgiving Day Gentlemen\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhistling Dick’s Christmas Stocking\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA Chaparral Christmas Gift\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChristmas by Injunction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Gift of the Magi\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompliments of the Season\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYou’ll meet characters only O. Henry could have imagined: Maida, a shop clerk who scrimps and saves for a new dress to wear to the employee holiday party. Stuffy Pete, a homeless man who suffers through the generosity of back-to-back Thanksgiving dinners. The Frio Kid, a murderous outlaw who unexpectedly commits a single act of generosity. Whistling Dick, a tramp who stumbles upon a potentially lethal act of arson and robbery. Cherokee, a gold prospector who strikes it rich and decides to play Santa Claus. And Fuzzy, an alcoholic “soldier of misfortune,” who stumbles upon the lost rag doll belonging to a millionaire’s five-year-old daughter. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlways witty, often outrageously funny, and filled with O. Henry’s famous plot twists, these stories take readers from New Mexico and Texas, through New Orleans, and to New York City to find the holiday spirit all across America.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56301812187509,"sku":"9781598538335","price":13.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781598538335_39cf21a9-ad53-4a59-9b8d-f41d2f1815a8.jpg?v=1786023494"},{"product_id":"9781804470237","title":"The Gift of the Magi","description":"First published in 1905, O. Henry's masterpiece, The Gift of the Magi, is a moving short story that highlights the plight of the poor at Christmastime. Desperately in love but destitute, Della and Jim try to find ways to drum up the cash for presents for one another, but in the end find they have sacrificed too much along the way. An ode to love and a warning against the consequences of capitalism, The Gift of the Magi has stood the test of time and has sadly never been more relevant. Part of Renard's successful Christmas Card Classics series, 25% of the RRP of each book sold goes to the Three Peas, a small charity supporting refugees.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56307398574453,"sku":"9781804470237","price":3.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781804470237_7f82d887-3833-470a-9f13-d30861e7ded6.jpg?v=1786026847"},{"product_id":"9789357274401","title":"The Four Million","description":"The Four Million is O. Henry's second collection of short tales to be released. The title of the book alludes to the city's population during the time several of the stories are set, in New York City.The collection of twenty-five short tales features many of the author's most well-known works. In the days before Christmas, a young married couple struggles to buy gifts for one another in the touching tale \"The Gift of the Magi.\" Delia sells her own hair to buy a platinum pocket watch chain, putting her husband's pleasure above her own. But when she gets back home, she discovers that Jim has made a comparable sacrifice.In \"The Skylight Room,\" typist Miss Leeson rents the tiniest room at Mrs. Parker's boarding home as she searches for employment. She names a star \"Billy Jackson\" in a moment of silent desperation while gazing out of the room's tiny skylight, a vista she quickly finds difficult to afford. A homeless guy named Soapy is the focus of \"The Cop and the Anthem.\" He commits a number of minor offenses as winter draws near in an effort to be brought to the safety of jail. But when his efforts fall short, he learns that justice has a harsh way of coming to light.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56310115729781,"sku":"9789357274401","price":13.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9789357274401_4fefe1b0-b671-486c-8ec7-937e071d6f38.jpg?v=1786031553"},{"product_id":"9789361159473","title":"CABBAGES AND KINGS","description":"\"Cabbages and Kings\" by O. Henry is a collection of interconnected short tales set in the fictional Central American metropolis of Coralio. The book explores the lives of diverse characters, each locals and expatriates, and their interactions with political intrigue, love, and destiny. The memories are marked via O. Henry's trademark wit, humor, and clever plot twists. Each tale is a picture of the human condition, providing glimpses into the complexities of relationships, the outcomes of ambition, and the unpredictable nature of life. The title itself, derived from the proverb \"promote cabbages and kings are however a call,\" displays the diverse and unexpected nature of the narratives. O. Henry masterfully weaves together factors of romance, adventure, and irony, developing a mosaic of memories that captivate and entertain. Set in opposition to the backdrop of a fictional tropical paradise, \"Cabbages and Kings\" is a literary adventure that explores the widespread subject matters of human folly, resilience, and the interaction of chance and future. O. Henry's storytelling prowess shines through in this collection, leaving readers with a rich tapestry of narratives that hold to endure inside the realm of conventional American literature.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56311023927669,"sku":"9789361159473","price":13.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9789361159473_9ea8d367-2e02-4d34-b259-caa72ef8a565.jpg?v=1786031658"},{"product_id":"9789369078806","title":"The Trimmed Lamp And Other Stories Of The Four Million","description":"The Trimmed Lamp and Other Stories of the Four Million by O. Henry is a collection of short stories that vividly captures the lives of ordinary people living in New York City. The collection explores themes of love, ambition, sacrifice, and the complexity of human relationships, often set against the backdrop of the city's bustling, sometimes harsh, environment. O. Henry's signature twist endings are evident throughout the stories, where he uses irony and surprise to reveal the unexpected turns of fate that affect his characters' lives. Many of the stories focus on the lives of the working class and the struggle for survival in a rapidly changing society. The characters in the collection are often caught between their dreams and their realities, revealing the gap between aspiration and achievement in the face of social and economic challenges. With its poignant humor and insightful social commentary, the collection paints a rich, sometimes bittersweet portrait of life in the city, showcasing O. Henry's mastery of storytelling and his ability to illuminate the human condition in both its light and dark moments.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56311031529845,"sku":"9789369078806","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9789369078806.jpg?v=1786032605"},{"product_id":"9789389931143","title":"O. Henry Short Stories (Deluxe Hardbound Edition)","description":"Witty, ironic, and always full of heart, this collection of \u003ci\u003eSelected Stories\u003c\/i\u003e by O. Henry showcases the brilliance of one of America’s greatest short story writers. Famous for his clever twist endings and poignant portrayals of ordinary people, O. Henry brings to life the streets of New York, the quiet towns of the American South, and the spirit of the early 20th century. From tales of love and sacrifice like “The Gift of the Magi” to humorous and ironic adventures like “The Ransom of Red Chief,” each story sparkles with charm, insight, and emotional depth.\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eShort tales, big surprises—every ending leaves a mark.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExplore a handpicked collection of timeless classics from a master of the short story.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDelve into themes of love, sacrifice, irony, and human folly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReflect on the lives of everyday people through stories filled with warmth, wit, and surprise.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiscover narrative brilliance in compact, memorable tales that leave a lasting impression.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThemes :\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIrony and Twist Endings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLove and Sacrifice\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCrime and Morality\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePoverty and Generosity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEveryday Heroism\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDeception and Truth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHumor and Human Folly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFate and Coincidence\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRedemption and Second Chances\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUrban Life and Social Class\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWho Is It For?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIdeal for lovers of short fiction, fans of classic American literature, students, and anyone who appreciates clever storytelling with a human touch.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56313345606005,"sku":"9789389931143","price":22.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9789389931143_e15a6b73-2ca0-4fff-9ba7-5cf6da5a75e7.jpg?v=1786033047"},{"product_id":"a-classic-christmas-treasury","title":"A Classic Christmas Treasury","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCozy up with your favorite Christmas stories and discover new wintry tales with this keepsake holiday anthology.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJust in time for the holidays, \u003ci\u003eA Classic Christmas Treasury\u003c\/i\u003e \u003cb\u003egathers together many of the season’s classics and introduces new, diverse stories from around the globe\u003c\/b\u003e in one decorative holiday volume. This cheerful, collectible treasury of \u003cb\u003estories, poems, and carols\u003c\/b\u003e makes a wonderful gift any time of the year and reminds us that simple gifts of the heart and memories made with loved ones truly are the most meaningful gifts of all. Experience a variety of wintry and holiday tales, including:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e’Twas the Night Before Christmas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA Christmas Carol\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Gift of the Magi\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Nutcracker and The Mouse King\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChristmas at Melrose\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Fir Tree\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBabouscka\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLittle Piccola\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe 12 Days of Christmas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBits\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFeaturing a \u003cb\u003ebeautifully designed cover\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003ewith glittering finishes fit for the grandeur of the season\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003ci\u003eA Classic Christmas Treasury\u003c\/i\u003e will become a beloved holiday keepsake that can be enjoyed by the whole family for years to come. Let these wonderful literary masterpieces warm your heart, and remind you of the joy and love to be discovered anew each holiday season.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cb\u003eTimeless Classics series\u003c\/b\u003e from Rock Point brings together the works of classic authors from around the world. Complete and unabridged, these elegantly designed gift editions feature luxe, patterned endpapers, ribbon markers, and foil and deboss details on vibrantly colored cases. Celebrate these beloved works of literature as true standouts in your personal library collection.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57484170232181,"sku":"9781631069840","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781631069840.jpg?v=1786266211"},{"product_id":"heart-of-the-west","title":"Heart of the West","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eHeart of the West\u003c\/i\u003e is a collection of 19 short stories highlighting the complicated relationship between men and women, law and order, honor and obligation.\u003c\/b\u003e These compelling tales are filled with memorable characters and fascinating conflicts. In \u003ci\u003eHeart of the West\u003c\/i\u003e, O. Henry explores the illustrious region featuring cowboys, outlaws, rangers and sheepherders. It consists of 19 short stories celebrating the unique culture and happenings in the Old West. \"Telemachus, Friend,\" follows an unconventional love triangle, while \"The Caballero's Way\" centers an unexpected tragedy fueled by jealousy and betrayal. This collection features a variety of tales ranging from sentimental romance to humorous adventure.  O. Henry breathes new life into the American West with vivid plots and unforgettable characters. This diverse group of stories transports readers to a bygone era of rugged heroes and sinister villains. Originally published in 1904, \u003ci\u003eHeart of the West\u003c\/i\u003e epitomizes this extraordinary moment in time.  With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of \u003ci\u003e Heart of the West\u003c\/i\u003e is both modern and readable.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSince our inception in 2020, \u003cb\u003eMint Editions\u003c\/b\u003e has kept sustainability and innovation at the forefront of our mission. Each and every Mint Edition title gets a fresh, professionally typeset manuscript and a dazzling new cover, all while maintaining the integrity of the original book.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWith thousands of titles in our collection, we aim to spotlight diverse public domain works to help them find modern audiences. Mint Editions celebrates a breadth of literary works, curated from both canonical and overlooked classics from writers around the globe.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57484291539317,"sku":"9781513269979","price":7.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781513269979.jpg?v=1786266347"},{"product_id":"100-selected-stories","title":"100 Selected Stories","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWith a new Introduction by Professor Cedric Watts, M.A., Ph.D.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis selection of a hundred of O. Henry’s succinct tales displays the range, humour and humanity of a perennially popular short-story writer.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHere Henry gives a richly colourful and exuberantly entertaining panorama of social life, ranging from thieves to tycoons, from the streets of New York to the prairies of Texas.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese stories are famed for their 'trick endings' or 'twists in the tail': repeatedly the plot twirls adroitly, compounding ironies. Indeed, O. Henry's cunning plots surpass those of the ingenious rogues he creates. His style is genial, lively and witty, displaying a virtuoso’s command of language and allusion.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis great collection offers delights for the mind, imagination and emotions.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57490182996341,"sku":"9781853262418","price":4.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781853262418.jpg?v=1786442067"},{"product_id":"roads-of-destiny","title":"Roads of Destiny","description":"\"Roads of Destiny\" by O. Henry is a collection of short stories that explores themes of fate and destiny through a series of engaging narratives set in urban environments, primarily New York City. The stories in \"Roads of Destiny\" revolve around the concept of how fate and chance encounters shape the lives of the characters. Each story examines how seemingly random events or decisions lead to significant and often unexpected consequences, highlighting the unpredictable nature of life. Irony plays a central role in the collection, with many stories featuring surprise endings that reveal the twist of fate or the irony in the characters' situations. O. Henry's signature humor and wit are evident throughout, adding a layer of lightheartedness to the exploration of serious themes. The collection also incorporates romantic elements and relationships, intertwining these with the broader themes of destiny and chance. These romantic subplots often add depth to the characters' experiences and interactions. The stories provide a realistic view of human nature. Overall, \"Roads of Destiny\" combines O. Henry's insightful observations on human behavior with his inventive storytelling, creating a compelling exploration of how fate and chance shape our lives and relationships.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57495575822709,"sku":"9789365781403","price":15.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9789365781403.jpg?v=1786618255"},{"product_id":"heart-of-the-west-1","title":"Heart of the West","description":"\"Heart of the West\" by O. Henry is a collection of short stories that delves into the charm and quirks of Western fiction. Published in the early 20th century, the book offers a humorous and ironic portrayal of frontier life and cowboy culture. O. Henry's stories vividly capture the essence of rural America, blending romance and adventure with his signature narrative twists. The collection is known for its character-driven tales that explore the everyday experiences and eccentricities of individuals living in the American West. Through his sharp wit and observational humor, O. Henry provides a fresh perspective on the challenges and triumphs of life on the frontier. \"Heart of the West\" reflects O. Henry's ability to infuse humor and irony into his storytelling, creating engaging narratives that entertain while offering insightful commentary on Western life. The book remains a notable contribution to American literature, showcasing the allure and complexity of the Western genre.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57495578640757,"sku":"9789365782646","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9789365782646.jpg?v=1786618260"}],"url":"https:\/\/backstory.london\/collections\/author-o-henry.oembed","provider":"Backstory","version":"1.0","type":"link"}