Readers the world over recognize O. Henry as the best short story writer of the early twentieth century. Today an ingenious surprise at the end of a story is described as "an O. Henry twist," and a prominent short fiction award bears his name. Widely known as a master of irony, O. Henry had at his command dazzling wordplay and a wry combination of pathos and humor. Including his most famous writings, such as "The Gift of the Magi" and "The Furnished Room," this collection demonstrates his extrao