The Four Million

The Four Million is the second published collection of short stories by O. Henry originally released in 1906. There are twenty five stories of various lengths including several of his best known works such as The Gift of the Magi and The Cop and the Anthem. The book's title refers to the then population of New York City where many of the stories are set. O. Henry was responding to a newspaper editorial which opined that there were only four hundred people in New York City worth knowing.


O. Henry was the pen name of American writer William Sydney Porter (September 11, 1862 – June 5, 1910). O. Henry short stories are known for wit, wordplay, warm characteriza- tion and clever twist endings.