O. Henry

Author William Sydney Porter (1862–1910), known by his pen name O. Henry, lived a hard life. He was a pharmacist, cowboy, draftsman, bank teller, editor of a comic sheet, reporter, jail-breaker and convict. However, it is not a full list of the jobs in which Bill Porter was engaged. His fate with all unexpectednesses and reverses of fortune, the ups and downs was quite typical for American life at that time. "The history of his life, – wrote E. Sinclair, – is full of tragic moments, which none of his poems tell".

Short stories by O. Henry, which took their roots from oral traditions of folklore, played a significant role in the development of American novels in the 20th century. Moreover, his works hold a firm place in the lives of many readers.

The exhibition, dedicated to the 150th anniversary from the date of the writer's birth, includes about 100 editions. Among them are collected works, literary collections, critical materials, as well as books about his life and work.

The exhibition includes a number of books, published in Russia in the early 20th century, such as The Gentle Grafter and The Thrones of Lords, which were released in 1924 by Leningrad publishing house Seyatel and the book The Trimmed Lamp, which appeared in 1925 due to Leningrad publishing house Mysl.

The book by I. Levidova О. Генри и его новелла (O. Henry and his short stories) is of great interest. The author analyzes the components of O. Henry's novelistic skills and follows the fate of his literary legacy. The book creates a vivid image of William Sidney Porter – a literary worker and journalist, who became an outstanding writer.

The exhibition is made for all readers, who are interested in the life and work of famous American short-story writer.