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

The Marionettes tells the story of two disreputable men. One, Dr. James, is a suave doctor and also an assassin and safe-breaker. The other, Mr. Chandler, is a consumate wastrel, gambler and wife beater. Each of the two adheres to a strict code of conduct and despises the other for their lack of morals. A chance encounter between the two of them not only throws their differences into sharp relief, but also leads to a monumental crime and bizarre atonement.

A wonderful collection of short stories" by some of the all-time great American writers: 1. "The Diamond Lens" by Fitz James O’Brien; 2. "Titbottom’s Spectacles" by George William Curtis; 3. "The Fall of the House of Usher" by Edgar Allan Poe; 4. "The Eyes of the Panther" by Ambrose Bierce; 5. "The Lightning Rod Man" by Hermann Melville; 6. "Seeds" by Sherwood Anderson; 7. "Who Was She?" by Bayard Taylor; 8. "The Man who stole a Meeting House" by John Townsend Trowbridge; 9. "Memoirs of a Yellow Dog" by O. Henry

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.

More of the Greatest Mysteries of All Time is the second in a series featuring the finest short story mystery fiction by the most acclaimed writers, past and present. From Thomas Hardy, O. Henry, Jack London, Vincent Starrett and everyone in between, this unique collection, edited by multi-award winning mystery connoisseur Otto Penzler, is a delightful mixture of mystery and suspense.

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.

Published in 1906, “The Gift of the Magi” is O. Henry’s beloved short story of Christmas giving. Jim and Della are a struggling young couple. Despite their limited resources, each must find a way to give the ultimate Christmas gift. Rosemary Benson narrates this enduringly popular tale that symbolizes the loving spirit of giving. This story is featured in the Middle School curriculum, and many free lesson plans, which include an author’s biography, vocabulary, discussion questions, and other activities, are available online.

Was it a case of a true gentleman in the old west? Or are the charms of a pioneer woman enough to blind the eyes of a love-struck cowpoke? A strong dose of mutual deceit, but only one knew the truth. A classic story that leaves you to determine who was the kinder. Narrated by Glenn Hascall.

This collection of stories features holiday tales for both young and old! Producer Joe Bevilacqua has unearthed this vintage 1940s recording of the charming Yuletide children's radio play, written by and starring Daws Butler, the voice of Yogi Bear, Huckleberry Hound, Quick Draw McGraw, and most of the classic Hanna-Barbera cartoon characters. Also heard in this old time radio show is Don Messick, the voice of Boo Boo Bear, Ranger Smith, and Scooby Doo.

This is a story from the Classic American Short Stories collection.

This is a story from the More Classic American Short Stories collection.

This is a story from the More Classic American Short Stories collection.

This is a story from the More Classic American Short Stories collection.

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.

O. Henry was a prolific American short-story writer - a masterof surprise endings - who wrote about the life of ordinary people in New YorkCity. In "The Gift of the Magi," one of his best-known works, a young coupleat Christmas time who, despite having little money, buy secret gifts for eachother. A moral lesson on the importance of love and sacrifice, "The Gift of theMagi" has been adapted to film more than a dozen times throughout the world.

This is a story from the Great Ghost Stories collection.

>"The Cop and the Anthem" may be the third most widely read O. Henry story in grammar, middle, and high school. "The Ransom of Red Chief" rates number one, "The Gift of the Magi" number two, and "A Retrieved Reformation" number four. Young readers enjoy this story a lot because of the hilarious plot of Soapy, the only named character, trying to get arrested so he can spend the winter in jail. Adults tend to like the ironic approach of Soapy’s potential victims....

Venturers are those who seek excitement, unpredictability and chance in life. Forster is one such venturer, but finds his life in New York too boringly predictable. But when he meets Ives, the latter suggests they dine in a posh hotel together although neither has any money with them, and then toss a coin to see which of them will bear the consequences when they are unable to pay. The escapade turns out to have consequences which neither of them could have predicted.

An engaging collection of short stories from some of the world's greatest racconteurs. Included are 'My Favorite Murder' by Ambrose Bierce; 'The Black Poodle' by F. Anstey; 'The Doll’s House' by Katherine Mansfield; 'The Monkey's Paw' by W. W. Jacobs; 'The Mortal Immortal' by Mary Shelley; 'A Curious Dream' by Mark Twain; 'Regret' by Kate Chopin; 'One Thousand Dollars' by O. Henry; 'The Dreamer' by W. W. Jacobs; 'The Fly' by Katherine Mansfield; 'The Inconsiderate Waiter' by J.M. Barrie; and 'The Purloined Letter' by Edgar Allan Poe.

"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.

The best of O. Henry's stories: "The Gift of the Magi", "The Voice of the City", "The Ransom of Red Chief", and more.