Cheap Rooms and Restless Hearts: A Study of Formula in the Urban Tales of William Sydney Porter [Hardcover]

Karen Charmaine Blansfield (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 15, 1988

This book provides close look at the predominant character types and plot patterns found in the urban stories of William Sydney Porter (more familiarly known as O. Henry), analyzing how these elements structure his tales and contribute to his popular formulas. Blansfield also examines Porter’s adventurous but troubled background—as a ranch hand, cowboy, bank teller, journalist, prisoner, fugitive, and more—to see how his own experience shaped these aspects of his fiction. The book considers how the bustling, turbulent conditions of New York City at the turn of the century helped to launch Porter’s [O. Henry’s] meteoric career.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Imprint: Popular Press --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

Karen Charmaine Blansfield is assistant professor of drama at the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill

Product Details

• Hardcover: 154 pages
• Publisher: Popular Press 1; 1 edition (June 15, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 087972420X
• ISBN-13: 978-0879724207
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,406,804 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Lindbergh, February 23, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Cheap Rooms and Restless Hearts: A Study of Formula in the Urban Tales of William Sydney Porter (Hardcover)

Though this book can seem excessivley log with it's incredible detail, the author shows much potential with his research. For those highly interested in this man's life should definately add this to their bookshelves.