The Gift of the Magi

By O. Henry

Book Overview

O. Henry's classic tale of the wisest gifts of Christmas, brought to life by P.J. Lynch's extraordinary art, is itself a gift to share and treasure. In a shabby New York flat, Della sobs as she counts the few coins she has saved to buy a Christmas present for her husband, Jim. A gift worthy of her devotion will require a great sacrifice: selling her long, beautiful hair. Jim, meanwhile, has made a sacrifice for Della that is no less difficult. As they exchange gifts on Christmas Eve, the discovery of what each has done fills them with despair, until they realize that the true gifts of Christmas can be found more readily in their humble apartment than in any fine store. O. Henry paints a masterly portrait of unfaltering love, a haven from the harsh world outside. The poignancy of his story is captured in P.J. Lynch's eloquent art, wherein every glance, every gesture, tells a subtle truth.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0763635308
• ISBN13: 9780763635305
• Release Date: September 2008
• Publisher: Candlewick Press (MA)
• Length: 40 Pages
• Weight: 0.77 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 7.6" x 9.1"
• Age Range: 10 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 5 and higher

Customer Reviews

Story of the greatest gift

O'Henry is an excellent author and this book is no exception. It is a beautiful story to read alone or with your family.

timeless beautiful story /ethereal art

I give this beautiful book either to newlyweds on their first Christmas or as a shower/wedding gift. It is so poignant. I hope to remind them that the sacrifices you make in early love/marriage need to be continued through all the years of your marriage. Always wanting to make your partner happy often times means forgoing your own happiness. The red cover I like for Christmas otherwise the white cover for wedding gifts.

The GIft of The Magi

This is a marvelous Christmas story about giving all that you have to the one that you love just as the Magi did so long ago. It is a classic written by O'Henry and the illustrations are magnificent.

A True Treasure

No words to describe the poignancy of this tale, gift it to everyone you treasure.

Sweet story - cute size.

"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.

Wow, Who Knew???!!!

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:)!