Introduction

The author of the book

William S. Porter “O. Henry”

(1862-1910)

His real name is William S. Porter. O. Henry, which is familiar to us all, is his pen name, said to be derived from his frequent calling of “Oh, Henry” the family cat. After losing his parents at an early age, O. Henry began to live a hard life, occupying himself with a number of different jobs. Then, in 1896, after he was accused of embezzling funds, he was sentenced to three years in prison, where he first started writing short stories based on his experiences. Upon his release, he settled in New York City and started to write full-time. Over just ten years, he wrote approximately 300 short stories. As seen in his major stories, The Last Leaf and The Gift of Magi, O. Henry usually wrote about the joys and sorrows of the lives of poor ordinary people in the Southern part of the USA and the slums of New York City.

The Gift of Magiis a Christmas story about a poor couple who love each other. They want to buy a special Christmas gift for each other, but they do not have enough money, so they decide to sell their personal treasures to buy a gift.

In the title of this story, The Gift of Magi, the Magi refer to the Three Wise Men who brought gifts to baby Jesus.

Hans Christian Andersen

(1805-1875)

Andersen wrote countless children’s fairy tales, such as The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling, and The Emperor’s New Clothes. Andersen managed to overcome difficulties, and achieve tremendous fame as a writer. Through Andersen’s lyrical story-telling, his beautiful, imaginary world and humanism are warmly combined in his works.

The Fir Tree is about a little fir tree that was always discontent and hoped for more. After longing to leave its boring forest home, the Fir tree finally achieved its wish, to be a Christmas tree. However, after the festivities of Christmas, the Fir tree found itself abandoned in the attic. This fairy tale, written in the form of a fable, teaches us a small lesson in life.