O. Henry for the Holidays

THE PERFECT GIFT FOR BOOK LOVERS: Get all 7 of O. Henry’s classic Thanksgiving and Christmas stories, including "The Gift of the Magi," in one short story collection!

Complete with helpful notes about each short story's biographical and cultural contexts

“There are just as many real Christmas stories as ever, if we would only dig ’em up,” wrote William Sydney Porter. The first short story he published under the pen name O. Henry was a holiday tale (“Whistling Dick’s Christmas Stocking”), while his best-known work, “The Gift of the Magi,” has inspired countless Yuletide movies and television episodes. Library of America presents all seven of his seasonal offerings—including two about Thanksgiving, the “one day that is purely American”:

• The Purple Dress
• Two Thanksgiving Day Gentlemen
• Whistling Dick’s Christmas Stocking
• A Chaparral Christmas Gift
• Christmas by Injunction
• The Gift of the Magi
• Compliments of the Season

You’ll meet characters only O. Henry could have imagined: Maida, a shop clerk who scrimps and saves for a new dress to wear to the employee holiday party. Stuffy Pete, a homeless man who suffers through the generosity of back-to-back Thanksgiving dinners. The Frio Kid, a murderous outlaw who unexpectedly commits a single act of generosity. Whistling Dick, a tramp who stumbles upon a potentially lethal act of arson and robbery. Cherokee, a gold prospector who strikes it rich and decides to play Santa Claus. And Fuzzy, an alcoholic “soldier of misfortune,” who stumbles upon the lost rag doll belonging to a millionaire’s five-year-old daughter.

Always witty, often outrageously funny, and filled with O. Henry’s famous plot twists, these stories take readers from New Mexico and Texas, through New Orleans, and to New York City to find the holiday spirit all across America.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs