The Gift of the Magi and Other Stories (Books of Wonder) [Hardcover]

O. Henry (Author), Michael Dooling (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up

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.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

William Sydney Porter (1862–1910)—better known as O. Henry—is one of the world's most widely published writers. A master of the short story, he is the author of more than six hundred tales that have been translated into nearly every language. He is best known for his stories about New York City, which include The Gift of the Magi and The Purple Dress.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow & Co; First Edition edition (September 26, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688145817
• ISBN-13: 978-0688145811
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,481,158 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars All the original style of O. Henry with lovely illustrations, October 18, 2002

By 

K. Corn "reviewer" (midwest, United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Gift of the Magi and Other Stories (Books of Wonder) (Hardcover)

Although the original feel of O. Henry stories is maintained in this book (the dialogue, the solid values and homespun wisdom), the illustratons in this book really make it a stand-out. They are full of warmth, rich colors and just a delight in and of themselves, perfectly complimenting the text. There are no shortage of O. Henry collections out there, but this has to be one of the best ,especially for teen to young adult readers.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow, Who Knew???!!!, June 8, 2002

By 

A Customer - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Gift of the Magi and Other Stories (Books of Wonder) (Hardcover)

Honestly, I wasn't really too enthused when I found out that my 7th grade reading comprehension class would be reading this book. My thoughts? O'Henry. Classics. Ugh.
I ended up loving each and every story included in this book. You have to get into these stories, but the surprising endings are really something to look forward to. Some stories move you, some put a smile on your face, and some just make you go "ooooooooooooooooooooh" if you get it. This book is definitely worth your time, no matter how little of it you have:)!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice little stories., November 13, 2003

By 

MAB (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Gift Of The Magi And Other Stories (Scholastic Classics) (Mass Market Paperback)

"The Gift of the Magi and Other Stories" has a nice variety of stories. I have the 1997 edition, which includes the stories "The Gift of the Magi," "The Last Leaf," "Springtime a la Carte," "The Purple Dress," "One Thousand Dollars," "Transients in Arcadia," "A Chaparral Prince," "The Clarion Call," "The Hiding of Black Bill," and "A Retrieved Reformation." "The Gift of the Magi" is the best of them all, with "The Last Leaf," "A Chaparral Prince," and "A Retrieved Reformation" all coming in second place. O. Henry is an excellent short story writer - it's amazing how we can fully engulf ourselves within these stories, which are no more than ten pages long! I recommend.