O.Henry was born William Sidney Porter in 1862. After a checkered life as a cowhand, bank teller, report, embezzler, and convict, he changed his name and turned his hand to writing fiction, becoming known O. Henry. The Gift of the Magi first appeared in 1906 and is perhaps his most famous story. In his characteristic style, the full meaning of the story only becomes clear in the final lines, when what appeared a simple and loving exchange of gifts between spouses takes on a whole new, wonderful dimension. Like so many of his stories, this one will leave you touched by the message, impressed by the deftness of the writer’s touch, and eager for more.