The Four Million

by O. Henry

Overview

O. Henry's "The Four Million" captures the vibrant spirit of early 20th-century New York City in a collection of unforgettable short stories. With a keen eye for irony and the unexpected, Henry illuminates the lives of ordinary people, proving that fascinating stories can be found not just among the elite, but within the "four million" inhabitants of the city.

A master of the short story form, O. Henry's tales are celebrated for their wit, memorable characters, and signature twist endings. This meticulously prepared edition brings these classic American stories to life, offering a glimpse into a bygone era with enduring appeal. Explore themes of urban life, humor, and the ever-present element of surprise that defines O. Henry's distinctive voice. Perfect for readers who appreciate the art of the short story and the timeless allure of New York City.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781023091350
Publisher:	Anson Street Press
Publication date:	03/28/2025
Pages:	136
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.38(d)

About the Author

O. Henry (1862-1910) was an American short story writer. Born and raised in North Carolina, O. Henry—whose real name was William Sydney Porter—moved to Texas in 1882 in search of work. He met and married Athol Estes in Austin, where he became well known as a musician and socialite. In 1888, Athol gave birth to a son who died soon after, and in 1889 a daughter named Margaret was born. Porter began working as a teller and bookkeeper at the First National Bank of Austin in 1890 and was fired four years later and accused of embezzlement. Afterward, he began publishing a satirical weekly called The Rolling Stone, but in 1895 he was arrested in Houston following an audit of his former employer. While waiting to stand trial, Henry fled to Honduras, where he lived for six months before returning to Texas to surrender himself upon hearing of Athol’s declining health. She died in July of 1897 from tuberculosis, and Porter served three years at the Ohio Penitentiary before moving to Pittsburgh to care for his daughter. While in prison, he began publishing stories under the pseudonym “O. Henry,” finding some success and launching a career that would blossom upon his release with such short stories as “The Gift of the Magi” (1905) and “The Ransom of Red Chief” (1907). He is recognized as one of America’s leading writers of short fiction, and the annual O. Henry Award—which has been won by such writers as William Faulkner, John Updike, and Eudora Welty—remains one of America’s most prestigious literary prizes.