The gift of the magi
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4.1 • 148 Ratings
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Publisher Description
The gift of the magi, O. Henry. Revised version. First published as part of The four million / by O. Henry. -- New York : McClure, Phillips & Co., 1906.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
O. Henry's classic tale of Della and Jim, the struggling newlyweds so anxious to give each other a Christmas gift that each sells the one thing the other holds most dear, receives an oddly lifeless treatment here. Heyer's meticulously detailed illustrations are pretty but stilted; the characters look like mannequins. The rueful Jim fares better than poor prematurely middle-aged Della, who at times looks more like his mother than his wife. Still, the story is as touching as ever, and neither time nor mediocre artwork can dim its glory. All ages.
Customer Reviews
What a treat!
What a treat to read for the first time this short story about the "Magi" foolishly giving up their greatest treasures for the one who is the object of their love. One might even be tempted to entitle this brief tale, "Star-crossed Magi," because of its kinship to Romeo and Juliet's equally ironic love. Though I knew the outcome of the story half way through, I was still moved, especially when the combs were first beheld. Thank you, O.