Gift of the Magi and Other Stories

Gift of the Magi and Other Stories

by O. Henry, P. J. Lynch (Illustrator)
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Hardcover
Price: $17.99
One dollar and eighty-seven cents.
That was all. And sixty cents of it was in
pennies.... Three times Della counted it.
One dollar and eighty-seven cents.
And the next day would be Christmas.

In the beloved title story of this handsome collection, a man and woman each long to bring home just the right gift for the other. But with so little money, how can there be hope? The poignant twists and heartwarming conclusion of this perfect plum of a story help explain the lasting appeal of this most American of authors.Writing under the famous pseudonym 0. Henry, William Sydney Porter breathed life into characters, creating moments that touch readers with their sensitivity and humanity. He portrayed lovelorn cowboys and headstrong urbanites with the same authentic touch, using sympathy, irony, and the wit for which he is justly famous.

The illustrated volume of The Gift of the Magi, contains 0. Henry's finest work, including the hilarious Ransom of Red Chief, in which a small boy tortures his kidnappers until the criminals are reduced to begging his parents to take him back. Michael Dooling's fifteen lush color plates capture the heart of each story with a blend of realism, sentiment, and humor. Longtime admirers of 0. Henry, as well as those who have yet to experience the pleasure of reading this master of the short story, will be enchanted by this wonderful collection.

Did you find this review helpful?
Related Categories
Recommended for...