The Four Million

A collection of twenty-five tales, including “The Gift of the Magi,” from one of America’s most successful writers of popular short stories.

At the turn of the twentieth century, one man captured America’s imagination in his works of short fiction. O. Henry’s clever and engaging stories, often with surprise endings, had mass appeal. The title of this book, the author’s second collection, references the population of New York City, where many of the stories are set, at the time of publication. It features some of his best-known works, including “The Gift of the Magi,” The Cop and the Anthem,” and “The Furnished Room.”

“The tale, a simply structured, exquisitely told story of self-sacrifice, generosity, and love, closed with the O. Henry signature: an ironic twist . . . It’s a reminder of the way we should be living, with love first, giving second, and possession below all.” —The Atlantic on “The Gift of the Magi”