The Shepherd And Other Christmas Stories: The Gift Of The Magi, The Cricket On The Hearth, Yes, Virginia There Is A Santa Claus, Hoodoo Mcgiggin And Christmas Cake Recipe

Customer Reviews:

The Shepherd & other Xmas Stories.......2006-12-23

In Canada people start calling the CBC in early December to ask when they will broadcast the story, "The Shepherd" read on the radio by the late Alan Maitland. I suspect that much of Canada was quiet the last half hour when they just played it on Radio One.
It is a tense & beautiful spirit/ghost story about a young RAF pilot lost over the North Sea on Xmas Eve.
I highly recommend it for its expert narration, as an event for the whole family to listen to, ages 10 & up, & as just a darn good story.

The rest of the stories, each w/a bit of irony or a bittersweet taste, are well done, too.

Average customer rating:

a treasure
Gift of the Magi is good Christmas gift
A Gift from the Heart

The Gift of the Magi
O. Henry
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 141693586X

Book Description

One dollar and eight-seven cents is all the money Della has in the world to buy her beloved husband a Christmas present. She has nothing to sell except her only treasure -- her long, beautiful brown hair. Set in New York at the turn of the twentieth century, this classic piece of American literature tells the story of a young couple and the sacrifices each must make to buy the other a gift. Beautiful, delicate watercolors by award-winning illustrator Lisbeth Zwerger add new poignancy and charm to this simple tale about the rewards of unselfish love.

Customer Reviews:

a treasure.......2007-09-30

I do not know why Amazon recommended this book for me....I have been giving it as gifts since before Amazon existed....am somewhat frightened at their insight.....most wonderful treasure to carry through life

Gift of the Magi is good Christmas gift.......2007-01-09

I ordered this story so the special person in my life could read it - we had a similar incident in which we both had done something for one another without knowing. I choose this book because of it's appearance. And although it is set up like a children's book, it was a neat Christmas gift all the same. I only was concerned about the story and mission was accomplished. It is a larger size book and very beautiful so we have decided to sit it out each Christmas as part of our decor.

A Gift from the Heart.......2006-12-21

I picked up this book out of nice-cover curiosity and for some light reading to my 2nd grade CCD class, and instead of finding simple children's Christmas book I found a literary masterpiece. Lizabeth Zewerger has transformed O. Henry's very mature adult short story about social poverty and vicarious giving into a children's tale about the true meaning of Christmas. I was awed by the delicateness of Zewerger's watercolors and amazed by the way she perfectly expressed each emotion of O. Henry's tale.
In a world where every holiday (especially Christmas) has been commercialized this book is a symbol of the true meaning of giving. Before you get lost in the hustle and bustle (or if you unfortunately already have) do yourself and your loved ones a favor and pick up this book. It's a great gift for children of all ages and adults too. This is a gift from the heart to give at Christmas.
Reconnect and STAY connected!

Best Stories Of O. Henry: Gift Of The Magi, The Ransom Of Red Chief, Mammon And The Archer And Others

Average customer rating:

The Ransom of Red Chief

Best Stories Of O. Henry: Gift Of The Magi, The Ransom Of Red Chief, Mammon And The Archer And Others
O. Henry
Manufacturer: Kessinger Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1417942134

Book Description

1899. Selected and with an introduction by Bennett Cerf and Van H. Cartmell. William Sydney Porter (O. Henry) was the most popular short story writer of his time. His stories typically revolved around two of his favorite themes, the situation of the impostor and fate as the one unavoidable reality of life. Another device he used was the surprise ending, usually coming about through coincidence. He was the founder of the humorous weekly The Rolling Stone. When the weekly failed, he joined the Houston Post as a reporter and columnist. He was convicted of embezzling money, although there's much debate over his actual guilt, and while in prison he started to write short stories. His first work, Whistling Dick's Christmas Stocking appeared in McClure's Magazine. After emerging from prison Porter changed his name to O. Henry. He then moved to New York and wrote a story a week for the New York World, while also publishing in other magazines. This volume contains 38 of the best works of O. Henry including: The Gift of the Magi, The Ransom of Red Chief; Mammon and the Archer; and others. See other titles by this author available from Kessinger Publishing.

Customer Reviews:

The Ransom of Red Chief.......2005-10-03

O.Henry writes with humor and a touch of irony. The students found the work enjoyable and were able to easily identify character aspects(protaganist, written in first person etc.) A great story to begin unit on short stories. Easy to read.

The Gift of the Magi and Other Short Stories

Average customer rating:

Short and sweet
Would love to share with my children one day
Sixteen gems from a master storyteller
The forgotten Christmas Carol.
Great Introductory Compilation

The Gift of the Magi and Other Short Stories
O. Henry
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Classics | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0486270610

Amazon.com

Born William Sidney Porter in 1862, O. Henry first lived a checkered life as a cowhand, bank teller, reporter, embezzler, and convict. Then, in a last-minute reversal worthy of one of his own stories, he turned to fiction, and became a celebrated author of ironic miniatures. "The Gift of the Magi" is perhaps his most famous creation. And while this exploration of love and gift-giving doesn't exactly plumb the depths of human behavior, it does leave us with the final picture of Jim (sans watch) and Della (sans hair, or most of it), which has induced even the crankiest readers to shed a tear since it first appeared in 1906. Get out your handkerchiefs!

Book Description

Sixteen captivating stories by one of America's most popular storytellers. Included are such classics as "The Gift of the Magi," "The Last Leaf," "The Ransom of Red Chief," "The Voice of the City" and "The Cop and the Anthem." Publisher's Note.

Customer Reviews:

Short and sweet.......2007-06-19

This is quintessential O. Henry. If you want a gift for a friend or a way to introduce someone to the joys of the short story, this is a great pick.

Would love to share with my children one day.......2005-11-22

When I was a teenager, I listened to the Gift of the Magi, the Last Leaf, After Twenty Years etc on public radio stations (Guess where?). I was so moved then. I think these among other great works had played a role in my decision to pursue an English Literature major.
Now life had challenged me into a somewhat different world where often times we forget about the literature, the philosophy and the simpliest pleasures of life.
I bought this book again so that I could read it to my children someday. My first born is only 3. But I think he is starting to show some appreciation.

Sixteen gems from a master storyteller.......2003-04-20

"The Gift of the Magi and Other Short Stories" brings together 16 pieces by O. Henry. The stories in this collection are taken from 8 of O. Henry's books; the original volumes have publication dates ranging from 1906 to 1911. This book includes a short introductory note on the colorful life and career of the author, who lived from 1862 to 1910.

I really enjoyed this book from start to finish. O. Henry writes about criminals, dreamers, artists, lovers, and lost souls. Many of these stories have a New York City setting--he really captures the energy and color of the city. There are also a Western story ("The Pimienta Pancakes"), a Southern Gothic tale ("A Municipal Report"), a story set primarily in a small town in Arkansas ("A Retrieved Reformation"), and a story set in rural Alabama ("The Ransom of Red Chief").

If you like stories with "twist" endings, you will probably like this collection. The book as a whole is a lot of fun--full of life and charm. Some of the stories may strike contemporary readers as corny, but I found each tale to be an enjoyable gem of storytelling. The book is rich in irony, with some really funny scenes.

O. Henry tells stories of love, justice, deception, sacrifice, and heroism. He makes some intriguing creative choices; this is clearly the work of a master in total command of the short story genre. His prose style is very readable and engaging, with touches of baroque elegance.

The forgotten Christmas Carol........2002-12-01

This book begins with the one of the lesser-known Christmas stories that illustrates how we should give to the utmost during this season of giving. O. Henry is able to use wit to show wisdom, and the ridiculous to show the sublime.

The poor married couple is forced to scrounge for Christmas. The husband hocks his watch to buy hair combs for his wife, and his wife sell her hair to a wig-maker to buy a fob-chain. Bit this story isn't about a couple's holiday folly, but the desire to love and serve other people to the utmost.

One of the classics is "The Last Leaf," about a boy who in inspired by a last leaf, which is really a painting. Another story is "The Cop And the Anthem," about the bum who tries to get arrested, then has a turn of heart second before he is booked for vagrancy. It also has the immortal "The Ransom Of Red Chief," the story about the kidnappers who get the redheaded brat, and try their darndest to get rid of the kid.

O. Henry has the a gift of the twist, like Rod Serling of "Twilight Zone" fame, or M. Night Shyamalan, the director of "The Sixth Sense," and "Signs." As you read, it keeps your eyes on their toes, since at any minute the whole story will twist upside-down. This roller-coaster writing is like a well-told joke.

Great Introductory Compilation.......2002-04-04

For my money, this Dover edition is the perfect introduction to the works of O. Henry. It contains several of his best stories in an order that is not jarring, considering they come from different collections.

I am a writer of short stories, and there is no better practitioner of the art than O. Henry. Perhaps in today's world, with the New Yorker style being touted as *the* way to write short stories, O. Henry is scoffed at. But, if you look close, Henry's stories have one thing those don't--an ending.

In fact, O. Henry stories are famous for their endings. Often called "twist" endings, they show the inherent unpredictability of life.

What is often missed, however, is Henry's knack for characterization, his evocative use of setting and description, and his readability. I put O. Henry up there with other short story writers like Flannery O'Connor and John Updike.

Book Description

A young woman makes a drastic decision -- and her husband has a Christmas surprise in return. A dying girl attaches her fate to that of a leaf. A writer sobs at the sight of a menu. A detective tracks a theif to an unexpected hideout. An unforgettable collection from a master of the short story -- where the ending is never what you expect.

Customer Reviews:

Nice little stories........2003-11-14

"The Gift of the Magi and Other Stories" has a nice variety of stories. I have the 1997 edition, which includes the stories "The Gift of the Magi," "The Last Leaf," "Springtime a la Carte," "The Purple Dress," "One Thousand Dollars," "Transients in Arcadia," "A Chaparral Prince," "The Clarion Call," "The Hiding of Black Bill," and "A Retrieved Reformation." "The Gift of the Magi" is the best of them all, with "The Last Leaf," "A Chaparral Prince," and "A Retrieved Reformation" all coming in second place. O. Henry is an excellent short story writer - it's amazing how we can fully engulf ourselves within these stories, which are no more than ten pages long! I recommend.

Average customer rating:

Listening to the voice of Christ in our daily life.
Will warm you all over!!
A must Christmas read !
A yearly read at the holidays.

The Modern Magi: A Christmas Fable
Carol Lynn Pearson
Manufacturer: St Martins Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Customer Reviews:

Listening to the voice of Christ in our daily life........2002-12-17

I love this book. It only takes an hour to read and it brings into perspective what is really important. If we, in our every day life, listen to the Spirit, (Jesus voice), as Annabelle did, and carry out what we have heard, miracles will happen. It is now a family tradition and each Christmas time we read it and you cannot keep your eyes dry! I shared the story in a Church Meeting and I saw a lot of people wiping tears away. It moves the soul. A must for holiday reading.

Will warm you all over!!.......2002-03-30

The Modern Magi, A Christmas Fable, is a most wonderful, delightful little book, on living the true meaning of Christmas, the whole year through. Carol Lynn Pearson brings home this meaning poignantly, simply, and beautifully through the character of Annabelle Perkins. Annabelle will touch your heart and maybe even spur you on, to perform your own selfless Christmas miracle. Even though the ending was predictable early on, this, in no way whatsoever, detracted from the beauty of the fable.

God talks to us constantly, yet one just has to be still and listen, have faith and follow what that inner voice is guiding us to do. Annabelle heard God speaking to her and she followed her heart and performed miracles for others while on earth. Was she an angel or a messenger or both? Only you the reader can decide that.

Annabelle's good will was able to live on long after Annabelle left earth and that is what the message of the book was portraying.

This little fable will warm you, bring tears to your eyes and remind you once again, that God does indeed work in mysterious ways though many people who touch our lives.

A wonderful book to share with the entire family!!! I loved it!!

A must Christmas read !.......2000-10-21

After reading this book, I shared it with a friend who isn't a reader. She loved it! One of the copies I'm ordering today is for this friend to place in her church library and one copy is for my church library. It is an inspiring book for anytime of the year, but especially at Christmas.

A yearly read at the holidays........1999-11-28

I really enjoyed this little gem. My wife and I read it the same night and had similiar thoughts. A great story with a predictable ending. But what's wrong with a warm feel-good read at this time of year!

A Christmas Carol and Other Favorites: A Christmas Carol, the Gift of the Magi , Dick Spindler's Family Christmas

Average customer rating:

A Christmas Carol and Other Favorites: A Christmas Carol, the Gift of the Magi , Dick Spindler's Family Christmas
Charles Dickens , O. Henry , and Bret Harte
Manufacturer: Greathall Productions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Music | Books on CD | Audiobooks | Formats | Books

General | Books on CD | Audiobooks | Formats | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 188251341X
Release Date: 2000-04-05

Good and Perfect Gifts: An Illustrated Retelling of O. Henry's the Gift of the Magi

Average customer rating:

Good and Perfect Gifts: An Illustrated Retelling of O. Henry's the Gift of the Magi
O. Henry
Manufacturer: Little Brown & Co (Juv)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Picture Books | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Gift of the Magi (Running Press Miniature Editions)

Average customer rating:

Touching Story!
Sweet story - cute size.
An encouragement, exquisite story
Review for:GIFT OF THE MAGI, O. Henry
A highly recommended, multicast production

Gift of the Magi (Running Press Miniature Editions)
O. Henry
Manufacturer: Running Press Book Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Classics | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Pop Culture | Note Cards | Book Accessories | Our Favorites | Gift Ideas
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0762411309

Book Description

The classic holiday tale of love, devotion, and the art of giving - written by one of the world's best-known short-story authors - will delight those both new to and familiar with this timeless narrative.

Customer Reviews:

Touching Story!.......2006-06-24

When I get married, that's how I hope I will be to my wife! This is a beautiful Christmas story that embodies the spirit of giving.

I remember finding this story once in picture edition and loved the illustrations but can't seem to be able to find it. Either way, this is a wonderful story of serving others and of what is really important.

Sweet story - cute size........2003-12-16

"Gift of the Magi" is a wonderful story (my favorite by O. Henry), and this little book makes a great stocking stuffer for the little ones. I recommend.

An encouragement, exquisite story.......2002-04-15

The Gift of Magi is an O. Henryfs classic Christmas story that is about a couple, Jim and Della, who loved each other. They were very poor people, but they wanted to buy a Christmas gift for each other. They did not have enough money, so they decided to sell their important things to buy a gift. Della wanted to buy a gold chain for Jimfs gold watch, but she didnft have enough money. Instead, she cut her hair that was her pride, and sold it. And Jim, whose watch was great and really expensive, sold it to buy the combs that Della had wanted for a long time. So as a result, their Christmas day was not happy at all. This storyfs ending is not happy, but I like this storyfs classic theme and plot. I think that this book has good theme and plot though they are simple. This is interesting and a well organized story. We can learn cultures of American from reading O. Henryfs short stories about Americanes.

Review for:GIFT OF THE MAGI, O. Henry.......2001-04-03

The Gift of the Magi is heavily laced with details, but has a good plot. The plot is easy to follow, and is beautifully detailed in just the right parts. The plot has been adapted in different versions, so it isn't the BEST idea in the world, but it has good morals. I would give this 4 stars out of a possible 5.

A highly recommended, multicast production.......2001-01-11

The Gift Of The Magi is a magnificent "radio theater" production of O. Henry's classic story of young love at Christmas time. A young couple just beginning their wedded life and of very limited means want more than anything to give each other a gift that will reflect and celebrate their devotion, one to the other. The gifts they select, and at the cost to each of them, all result in one of the most endearing, heartwarming, and humorous of conclusions. This highly recommended, multicast production is a flawlessly performed and recorded, totally engaging, wonderfully entertaining dramat-ization.

Average customer rating:

All the original style of O. Henry with lovely illustrations
Wow, Who Knew???!!!
Classic stories, each with a twist...lovely illustrations!

The Gift of the Magi (Books of Wonder)
O. Henry
Manufacturer: HarperCollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Short Story Collections | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Classics | Literature & Fiction | Teens | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0688145817

Book Description

One dollar and eighty-seven cents.
That was all. And sixty cents of it was in
pennies.... Three times Della counted it.
One dollar and eighty-seven cents.
And the next day would be Christmas.

In the beloved title story of this handsome collection, a man and woman each long to bring home just the right gift for the other. But with so little money, how can there be hope? The poignant twists and heartwarming conclusion of this perfect plum of a story help explain the lasting appeal of this most American of authors.Writing under the famous pseudonym 0. Henry, William Sydney Porter breathed life into characters, creating moments that touch readers with their sensitivity and humanity. He portrayed lovelorn cowboys and headstrong urbanites with the same authentic touch, using sympathy, irony, and the wit for which he is justly famous.

Customer Reviews:

All the original style of O. Henry with lovely illustrations.......2002-10-18

Although the original feel of O. Henry stories is maintained in this book (the dialogue, the solid values and homespun wisdom), the illustratons in this book really make it a stand-out. They are full of warmth, rich colors and just a delight in and of themselves, perfectly complimenting the text. There are no shortage of O. Henry collections out there, but this has to be one of the best ,especially for teen to young adult readers.

Wow, Who Knew???!!!.......2002-06-09

Honestly, I wasn't really too enthused when I found out that my 7th grade reading comprehension class would be reading this book. My thoughts? O'Henry. Classics. Ugh.
I ended up loving each and every story included in this book. You have to get into these stories, but the surprising endings are really something to look forward to. Some stories move you, some put a smile on your face, and some just make you go "ooooooooooooooooooooh" if you get it. This book is definitely worth your time, no matter how little of it you have:)!

Classic stories, each with a twist...lovely illustrations!.......1999-08-25

A collection of timeless stories with unforgettable characters. They depict people who could live in any era with the weaknesses and strengths of "everyman." And of course, always with the "O'Henry twist." The illustrations are so real you think they are actual people.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books