A short story collection from much loved American author William Sidney Porter, better known as âO. Henryâ, âThe Gentle Grafterâ is a wonderful array of some of his classic short stories. Tales in the collection include, âThe Octopus Maroonedâ, âA Midsummer Masqueradeâ and âInnocents of Broadwayâ. As always, O. Henryâs focus on the outcasts of society, his warm characterisation, and humorous twists and turns make this a fascinating selection of the popular authorsâ works - a joy for both established fans as well as those discovering his stories for the very first time.
William Sidney Porter (1862-1910) was an American writer best-known for his short stories. Born in North Carolina, Porter moved to Texas in his early twenties where he began his literary career contributing to newspapers and magazines such as âThe Houston Postâ. During this period he also began work at a bank where he was accused of embezzlement, lost his job and was arrested a year later. Growing fearful of his upcoming trial, Porter escaped to New Orleans and then Honduras while on bail, where he hid for several months. It was here that he was inspired to write one of his famous short story collections âCabbages and Kingsâ. In 1897 Porter returned to the US and was sentenced to five years in prison. He continued to write and had several stories published from prison under various pseudonyms, the most famous of which was âO. Henryâ â a name by which he is better known. Upon release Porter moved to New York where his most intense period of writing began, authoring hundreds of short stories mostly for the New York World Sunday Magazine. His witty narration and plot twists made his stories a huge hit with readers, a legacy which endures to this day. Some of his most popular short stories include, âThe Gift of the Magiâ, âThe Cop and the Anthemâ and âThe Caballeroâs Wayâ. 1952 film âO. Henryâs Full Houseâ featured five of his short stories and starred Marilyn Monroe and Charles Laughton. Annual American literary prize âThe O. Henry Awardâ was established in his honour in 1919.