# O. Henry

## Biography

William Sydney Porter, known by his celebrated pen name O. Henry, was an American short story writer born in Greensboro, North Carolina, on September 11, 1862. His early life was marked by various jobs, and he moved to Texas, where he worked as a bank teller. Facing charges of embezzlement, he fled to Honduras before returning due to his wife's illness. Porter was eventually convicted and imprisoned in Ohio, where he began writing prolifically under pseudonyms, with O. Henry emerging as his most famous. Upon his release in 1901, he moved to New York City, which became the setting for many of his iconic tales. O. Henry became renowned for his witty narration, charming characters, and signature surprise endings, often dubbed "O. Henry endings." His notable works include "The Gift of the Magi" and "The Ransom of Red Chief." Despite his literary success, Porter battled alcoholism and declining health, dying on June 5, 1910, leaving behind a lasting legacy in American short fiction.

## Books

- [The Gift of the Magi](https://samolit.com/books/96599)