The Life and Works of O.Henry

O. Henry wrote with realistic detail based on his first hand experiences both in Texas and in New York City. In 1907, he published many of his Texas stories in The Heart of the West, a volume that includes "The Reformation of Calliope," "The Caballero's Way," and "The Hiding of Black Bill." Another highly acclaimed Texas writer, J. Frank Dobie, later referred to O. Henry's "Last of the Troubadours" as "the best range story in American fiction." **
The "Gift of the Magi", one of O. Henry's most famous works, was almost victim to his drunkenness and poor professionalism. **<Tab/><Tab/>
He was always late with his copies, and as the deadline for this story approached his editor and illustrator begged him for at least a hint of what to expect. All he said was ""I'll tell you what to do.... Just draw a picture of a poorly furnished room.... On the bed, a man and a girl are sitting side by side. They are talking about Christmas. The man has a watch fob in his hand.... The girl's principal feature is the long beautiful hair that is hanging down her back. That's all I can think of now, but the story is coming." **
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