The Four Million is O. Henry's second collection of short tales to be released. The title of the book alludes to the city's population during the time several of the stories are set, in New York City.The collection of twenty-five short tales features many of the author's most well-known works. In the days before Christmas, a young married couple struggles to buy gifts for one another in the touching tale "The Gift of the Magi." Delia sells her own hair to buy a platinum pocket watch chain, putting her husband's pleasure above her own. But when she gets back home, she discovers that Jim has made a comparable sacrifice.In "The Skylight Room," typist Miss Leeson rents the tiniest room at Mrs. Parker's boarding home as she searches for employment. She names a star "Billy Jackson" in a moment of silent desperation while gazing out of the room's tiny skylight, a vista she quickly finds difficult to afford. A homeless guy named Soapy is the focus of "The Cop and the Anthem." He commits a number of minor offenses as winter draws near in an effort to be brought to the safety of jail. But when his efforts fall short, he learns that justice has a harsh way of coming to light.
American author William Sydney Porter better known by his pen name O. Henry was best known for his short stories. "The Gift of the Magi","The Duplicity of Hargraves," and "The Ransom of Red Chief" are some of his works. On September 11, 1862, in Greensboro, North Carolina, William Sidney Porter was born. His mother was Mary Jane Virginia Swaim Porter, and his father was a doctor named Algernon Sidney Porter. He obtained his pharmacy license when he was 19 years old. His humor, storytelling prowess, and musical aptitude were well-known. He married Athol Estes in a secret ceremony in 1887. Before returning to Austin, Texas, to stand trial, he spent six months living in Honduras, where he wrote under the pen name O. Henry. Athol's health prevented him from seeing his dying wife in the United States, so he instead gave himself up to the authorities. He received a five-year prison term but was freed in 1901 on the condition that he behaved himself. Porter passed away on June 5, 1910, as a result of liver cirrhosis, diabetes-related issues, and an enlarged heart. In Asheville, North Carolina, at the Riverside Cemetery, he was laid to rest.
