BOOK BRIEF

The Best Short Stories of O. Henry

O. Henry
Guide cover placeholder

The Best Short Stories of O. Henry

Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 1994

Book Brief

Sparkles iconBeta
O. Henry

The Best Short Stories of O. Henry

Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 1994
Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Short Story • Fiction

Setting

Various Locations • 1900s

Publication Year

1994

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

13+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

The Best Short Stories of O. Henry is a collection showcasing O. Henry's talent for twist endings and vivid characters. The stories explore themes of love, sacrifice, and irony, with narratives set in early 20th-century urban America. Iconic tales like "The Gift of the Magi" highlight the author's skill in capturing human emotions and societal nuances.

Humorous

Bittersweet

Nostalgic

Romantic

Playful

Reviews & Readership

4.4

4,607 ratings

83%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

The Best Short Stories of O. Henry showcases O. Henry's wit and mastery of twist endings. Readers praise the engaging narratives and clever plots, highlighting the warmth and humor in his storytelling. However, some find the language dated and certain plots predictable. Overall, it's a treasured collection for those who appreciate classic American literature.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Best Short Stories of O. Henry?

A reader who enjoys The Best Short Stories of O. Henry likely appreciates clever plot twists and vivid character sketches. Ideal for fans of The Complete Stories by Flannery O'Connor or Dubliners by James Joyce, this collection appeals to those who savor irony and social commentary within compact narratives.

4.4

4,607 ratings

83%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

The stories in The Best Short Stories of O. Henry are known for their twist endings, a signature style of the author that keeps readers engaged and often surprised.

O. Henry, whose real name was William Sydney Porter, wrote many of his stories while he was incarcerated, drawing inspiration from the people he met and his own experiences.

Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!

The author was posthumously awarded the O. Henry Award, established in 1919, which honors exceptional short stories published in American and Canadian magazines.

Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!

Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Short Story • Fiction

Setting

Various Locations • 1900s

Publication Year

1994

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

13+ years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!