Born on September 11
O. Henry's Birthday
Every good story needs a twist.
Next: September 11, 2027
Where it comes from
O. Henry was born William Sidney Porter in Greensboro, North Carolina, on 11 September 1862, and this Story marks his birthday. He trained as a pharmacist in his uncle's drugstore, then worked in Texas as a land-office clerk and a bank teller.
How it's celebrated
There is no formal observance, but his birthday is a good excuse to read one of his stories aloud; most take only minutes. The O. Henry Prize, created in his memory and awarded since 1919, honours the year's best short stories, and its anthology now includes stories translated into English.
Did you know
In 'The Gift of the Magi', a young couple each sell their most treasured possession, her hair and his watch, to buy the other a Christmas present.
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Virgo · August 23 – September 22 · Earth sign
Careful and kind, the one who notices what everyone else missed.