What do you think?
Rate this book
The Cop and the Anthem and Other Stories
One of the most popular American writers of the twentieth century, O. Henry's comic eye and unique, playful approach to the rough material of life's realities are unmatched. These stories, which range from the cattle-lands of Texas to the bars of New York, highlight the joys of avoiding habit and convention, and demonstrate O. Henry's mastery of speech and place.
The Penguin English Library - collectable general readers' editions of the best fiction in English, from the eighteenth century to the end of the Second World War.
The Penguin English Library - collectable general readers' editions of the best fiction in English, from the eighteenth century to the end of the Second World War.
240 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2020
12 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
About the author
O. Henry
2,910 books1,867 followersSuch volumes as
Cabbages and Kings
(1904) and
The Four Million
(1906) collect short stories, noted for their often surprising endings, of American writer William Sydney Porter, who used the pen name O. Henry.
His biography shows where he found inspiration for his characters. His era produced their voices and his language.
Mother of three-year-old Porter died from tuberculosis. He left school at fifteen years of age and worked for five years in drugstore of his uncle and then for two years at a Texas sheep ranch.
In 1884, he went to Austin, where he worked in a real estate office and a church choir and spent four years as a draftsman in the general land office. His wife and firstborn died, but daughter Margaret survived him.
He failed to establish a small humorous weekly and afterward worked in poorly-run bank. When its accounts balanced not, people blamed and fired him.
In Houston, he worked for a few years until, ordered to stand trial for embezzlement, he fled to New Orleans and thence Honduras.
Two years later, he returned on account of illness of his wife. Apprehended, Porter served a few months more than three years in a penitentiary in Columbus, Ohio. During his incarceration, he composed ten short stories, including A Blackjack Bargainer , The Enchanted Kiss , and The Duplicity of Hargraves .
In 1899, McClure's published Whistling Dick's Christmas Story and Georgia's Ruling .
In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he sent manuscripts to New York editors. In the spring of 1902, Ainslee's Magazine offered him a regular income if he moved to New York.
In less than eight years, he became a bestselling author of collections of short stories. Cabbages and Kings came first in 1904 The Four Million, and The Trimmed Lamp and Heart of the West followed in 1907, and The Voice of the City in 1908, Roads of Destiny and Options in 1909, Strictly Business and Whirligigs in 1910 followed.
Posthumously published collections include The Gentle Grafter about the swindler, Jeff Peters; Rolling Stones , Waifs and Strays , and in 1936, unsigned stories, followed.
People rewarded other persons financially more. A Retrieved Reformation about the safe-cracker Jimmy Valentine got $250; six years later, $500 for dramatic rights, which gave over $100,000 royalties for playwright Paul Armstrong. Many stories have been made into films.
His biography shows where he found inspiration for his characters. His era produced their voices and his language.
Mother of three-year-old Porter died from tuberculosis. He left school at fifteen years of age and worked for five years in drugstore of his uncle and then for two years at a Texas sheep ranch.
In 1884, he went to Austin, where he worked in a real estate office and a church choir and spent four years as a draftsman in the general land office. His wife and firstborn died, but daughter Margaret survived him.
He failed to establish a small humorous weekly and afterward worked in poorly-run bank. When its accounts balanced not, people blamed and fired him.
In Houston, he worked for a few years until, ordered to stand trial for embezzlement, he fled to New Orleans and thence Honduras.
Two years later, he returned on account of illness of his wife. Apprehended, Porter served a few months more than three years in a penitentiary in Columbus, Ohio. During his incarceration, he composed ten short stories, including A Blackjack Bargainer , The Enchanted Kiss , and The Duplicity of Hargraves .
In 1899, McClure's published Whistling Dick's Christmas Story and Georgia's Ruling .
In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he sent manuscripts to New York editors. In the spring of 1902, Ainslee's Magazine offered him a regular income if he moved to New York.
In less than eight years, he became a bestselling author of collections of short stories. Cabbages and Kings came first in 1904 The Four Million, and The Trimmed Lamp and Heart of the West followed in 1907, and The Voice of the City in 1908, Roads of Destiny and Options in 1909, Strictly Business and Whirligigs in 1910 followed.
Posthumously published collections include The Gentle Grafter about the swindler, Jeff Peters; Rolling Stones , Waifs and Strays , and in 1936, unsigned stories, followed.
People rewarded other persons financially more. A Retrieved Reformation about the safe-cracker Jimmy Valentine got $250; six years later, $500 for dramatic rights, which gave over $100,000 royalties for playwright Paul Armstrong. Many stories have been made into films.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 17, 2024
A strong collection. O. Henry has a great sense of irony and some fantastic twists/turns in his stories.
October 14, 2022
Ok, so I finished The Cop and the Anthem and Other Stories, written by O. Henry.
The Stories are magnificent, with a perfect combination of length and substance. The pacing is pitch perfect, every story is given the exact time that it needs to breathe. The theme surrounding most of the stories in the collection is the human condition. How different members of our distinguished species act under various duresses makes up the majority of the stories. The character's actions are simultaneously novel and in accordance with their characters. Also, the amount of personality that the author is able to convey in so few pages is mind-boggling. Truly, O. Henry is a master short-story teller.
Out of the entire collection, these are my favorites, in no specific order:
Love philtre of Ikey Schoenstein
The Furnished Room
The Last Leaf
The Count and the Wedding Guest
The Trimmed Lamp
The Defeat of the City
Springtime ala Carte
Transients in Arcadia
A Retrieved Reformation
The Whirligig of Life
A BlackJack Bargainer
One Dollar's Worth
A Chaparral Christmas Gift
Out of Nazareth
Hearts and Hands
If I'm forced to choose a single story as my personal favourite, then I will choose 'A Retrieved Reformation'. The story, like the majority of the collection, shows how every single individual on this Earth, no matter how vile and monstrous in society's eyes, is capable of doing good. This through line follws most of the stories in the collection. Where seemingly despicable men show unprecedented acts of kindness in response to humanity.
In conclusion, O. Henry is the best in the genre. Everyone should give him a chance. There is something here for everyone. I hope you enjoy it.
Can't wait to read more!!!
The Stories are magnificent, with a perfect combination of length and substance. The pacing is pitch perfect, every story is given the exact time that it needs to breathe. The theme surrounding most of the stories in the collection is the human condition. How different members of our distinguished species act under various duresses makes up the majority of the stories. The character's actions are simultaneously novel and in accordance with their characters. Also, the amount of personality that the author is able to convey in so few pages is mind-boggling. Truly, O. Henry is a master short-story teller.
Out of the entire collection, these are my favorites, in no specific order:
Love philtre of Ikey Schoenstein
The Furnished Room
The Last Leaf
The Count and the Wedding Guest
The Trimmed Lamp
The Defeat of the City
Springtime ala Carte
Transients in Arcadia
A Retrieved Reformation
The Whirligig of Life
A BlackJack Bargainer
One Dollar's Worth
A Chaparral Christmas Gift
Out of Nazareth
Hearts and Hands
If I'm forced to choose a single story as my personal favourite, then I will choose 'A Retrieved Reformation'. The story, like the majority of the collection, shows how every single individual on this Earth, no matter how vile and monstrous in society's eyes, is capable of doing good. This through line follws most of the stories in the collection. Where seemingly despicable men show unprecedented acts of kindness in response to humanity.
In conclusion, O. Henry is the best in the genre. Everyone should give him a chance. There is something here for everyone. I hope you enjoy it.
Can't wait to read more!!!
Read
October 9, 2021Another dnf, don’t particularly care for the writing style unfortunately.
May 2, 2024
JMJ
Journey To The Island
Lorenzo Posillico
I was never the biggest fan of reading as I always seemed to become distracted
by what was happening around me rather than being able to immerse myself in the
story and get a feel for the characters. I love a good story, although spending weeks
reading a book thicker than Webster's Dictionary didn't exactly encourage me to spend
the time to become immersed in such a world, no matter how compelling the plot may
be.
I was first introduced to O. Henry when I had to read three of his short stories for
a project in high school. I immediately fell in love with his colorful and unorthodox way of
describing his settings and the characters he so thoughtfully places in them. O. Henry’s
work was unlike any other stories I had previously read. They were short while still
being compelling and creative. I adored being able to read stories that were brief but
didn't skip out on portraying a captivating plot with unique and fleshed-out characters.
All of these elements perfectly present themselves in one of my favorite O. Henry
stories ever released, “The Cop and The Anthem.”
“The Cop and The Anthem” follows the tale of a man named Soapy. In this story,
Soapy is a homeless man who attempts to seek refuge when the cold of winter makes
its annual arrival. Spending his nights in Madison Square, Soapy doesn't have more
than a few newspapers wrapped around his waist and ankles to shield him from the
harsh and unforgiving elements. Realizing his soon-to-be cold reality, Soapy decides it's
time for him to embark on his yearly hegira to the “Island.” The “Island”, in other words,
prison, is where Soapy could only hope to stay this winter. Being done with charitable
institutions that provide housing and food for the less fortunate due to it being
humiliating, Soapy makes up his mind to switch his winter vacation.
With three straight months of assured board, bed, and friendly company, as well
as safety from the Boreas and Bluecoats, it’s a no-brainer to spend the cold winter in
such an environment. To arrive at his end goal of the “Island”, Soapy decides he will
dine at an expensive dinner and once the meal is finished, announce that he has no
funds to pay for the meal. It's a relatively harmless but surefire way of getting thrown in
the slammer. With hope in his heart the only thing keeping him warm, he sets off on a
wacky and unusual mission to get thrown into jail before the inescapable arrival of the
winter breeze.
If I had to narrow it down, the biggest reason I love this story so much is the
comedic tone it presents. The beautiful way in which O. Henry creates an infectiously
humorous tone and gleefully paints it throughout the story's events makes for an
undeniably sidesplitting read. To start, Soapy prefers to spend his winter in prison than
the free philanthropic housing provided for those less fortunate. Not only is Soapy’s
pride humorously keep him from simply receiving free food and board, but Soapy goes
on to believe that such a switch in winter residence is similar to that of a switch from
“Palm Beach to the Riviera” frequently made by his “more fortunate fellow New
Yorkers.” As the story progresses, the simple mission of wanting to get locked up for
winter becomes more and more ridiculous. With many unexpected twists and turns, this
story had me interested from start to finish and left me had me chuckling for minutes on
end. Soapy, being a genuinely endearing character, grew on me and had me rooting for
him as the story continued. However, I couldn't help but laugh when Soapy presents his
wild and unusual plans throughout the story to help him get arrested as soon as
possible. With such an excellently executed comedic tone this story shines above O.
Henry’s other works.
O. Henry is known for his unique and descriptive way of writing. I was glad to find
that this story is no different as it includes many unique ways to describe simple actions
or instances present in the story. For example, to illustrate the fact that someone doesn't
have any money to their name O. Henry writes that “the minutest coin and himself were
strangers”. This style of writing adds a whole new meaning to descriptive writing by
adding colorful wordplay which not only increases the enjoyability of the story but
encourages the reader to continue on. Another great example is when O. Henry
describes a dead leaf that falls onto Soapy’s lap, “Jack Frost’s Card.” These
descriptions are equivalent to that of a movie with exceptional quality. They allow you to
visualize certain story elements and help them to be amplified in new lights while still
remaining true to their original intention.
Short stories are anything but easy to write as the author has a small amount of
time to make his or her point, whether that is through a character, plot, or setting. I
believe O. Henry to be the true master of short stories. His ability to capture an idea
whether funny, thought-provoking, or emotional is unparalleled in the literary space. This
is again shown in the comedic short story “The Cop and the Anthem”. It is a story that
sets the bar high for others of its kind and makes its readers take into account the
unexpected and improbable within their own day-to-day lives.
Journey To The Island
Lorenzo Posillico
I was never the biggest fan of reading as I always seemed to become distracted
by what was happening around me rather than being able to immerse myself in the
story and get a feel for the characters. I love a good story, although spending weeks
reading a book thicker than Webster's Dictionary didn't exactly encourage me to spend
the time to become immersed in such a world, no matter how compelling the plot may
be.
I was first introduced to O. Henry when I had to read three of his short stories for
a project in high school. I immediately fell in love with his colorful and unorthodox way of
describing his settings and the characters he so thoughtfully places in them. O. Henry’s
work was unlike any other stories I had previously read. They were short while still
being compelling and creative. I adored being able to read stories that were brief but
didn't skip out on portraying a captivating plot with unique and fleshed-out characters.
All of these elements perfectly present themselves in one of my favorite O. Henry
stories ever released, “The Cop and The Anthem.”
“The Cop and The Anthem” follows the tale of a man named Soapy. In this story,
Soapy is a homeless man who attempts to seek refuge when the cold of winter makes
its annual arrival. Spending his nights in Madison Square, Soapy doesn't have more
than a few newspapers wrapped around his waist and ankles to shield him from the
harsh and unforgiving elements. Realizing his soon-to-be cold reality, Soapy decides it's
time for him to embark on his yearly hegira to the “Island.” The “Island”, in other words,
prison, is where Soapy could only hope to stay this winter. Being done with charitable
institutions that provide housing and food for the less fortunate due to it being
humiliating, Soapy makes up his mind to switch his winter vacation.
With three straight months of assured board, bed, and friendly company, as well
as safety from the Boreas and Bluecoats, it’s a no-brainer to spend the cold winter in
such an environment. To arrive at his end goal of the “Island”, Soapy decides he will
dine at an expensive dinner and once the meal is finished, announce that he has no
funds to pay for the meal. It's a relatively harmless but surefire way of getting thrown in
the slammer. With hope in his heart the only thing keeping him warm, he sets off on a
wacky and unusual mission to get thrown into jail before the inescapable arrival of the
winter breeze.
If I had to narrow it down, the biggest reason I love this story so much is the
comedic tone it presents. The beautiful way in which O. Henry creates an infectiously
humorous tone and gleefully paints it throughout the story's events makes for an
undeniably sidesplitting read. To start, Soapy prefers to spend his winter in prison than
the free philanthropic housing provided for those less fortunate. Not only is Soapy’s
pride humorously keep him from simply receiving free food and board, but Soapy goes
on to believe that such a switch in winter residence is similar to that of a switch from
“Palm Beach to the Riviera” frequently made by his “more fortunate fellow New
Yorkers.” As the story progresses, the simple mission of wanting to get locked up for
winter becomes more and more ridiculous. With many unexpected twists and turns, this
story had me interested from start to finish and left me had me chuckling for minutes on
end. Soapy, being a genuinely endearing character, grew on me and had me rooting for
him as the story continued. However, I couldn't help but laugh when Soapy presents his
wild and unusual plans throughout the story to help him get arrested as soon as
possible. With such an excellently executed comedic tone this story shines above O.
Henry’s other works.
O. Henry is known for his unique and descriptive way of writing. I was glad to find
that this story is no different as it includes many unique ways to describe simple actions
or instances present in the story. For example, to illustrate the fact that someone doesn't
have any money to their name O. Henry writes that “the minutest coin and himself were
strangers”. This style of writing adds a whole new meaning to descriptive writing by
adding colorful wordplay which not only increases the enjoyability of the story but
encourages the reader to continue on. Another great example is when O. Henry
describes a dead leaf that falls onto Soapy’s lap, “Jack Frost’s Card.” These
descriptions are equivalent to that of a movie with exceptional quality. They allow you to
visualize certain story elements and help them to be amplified in new lights while still
remaining true to their original intention.
Short stories are anything but easy to write as the author has a small amount of
time to make his or her point, whether that is through a character, plot, or setting. I
believe O. Henry to be the true master of short stories. His ability to capture an idea
whether funny, thought-provoking, or emotional is unparalleled in the literary space. This
is again shown in the comedic short story “The Cop and the Anthem”. It is a story that
sets the bar high for others of its kind and makes its readers take into account the
unexpected and improbable within their own day-to-day lives.
August 15, 2023
The Cop and the Anthem by O. Henry is about to take you on a hilarious rollercoaster ride through the streets of New York City! If you're in the mood for a hearty dose of laughter and a pinch of mischief, then this short story is your golden ticket.
Meet our charming protagonist, Soapy, a lovable vagabond with a knack for getting into the quirkiest of predicaments. From the very beginning, you'll find yourself rooting for Soapy, even as he hatches the most outrageous schemes to find a cozy jail cell for the winter. His escapades are like a masterclass in comedic desperation.
O. Henry's writing style is as witty as it gets, with punchlines that hit harder than a New York cab. The dialogue is snappy, and the narrative is peppered with hilarious one-liners that will have you chuckling into your tea. Soapy's misadventures are a delightful reminder that sometimes, life's greatest lessons come from the most unexpected sources.
Will he succeed in his quest for a warm bed and three square meals, or is fate determined to keep him on the chilly streets? O. Henry keeps you guessing till the very end, and the payoff is worth every chuckle.
What truly sets The Cop and the Anthem apart is its timeless humor. O. Henry masterfully weaves together irony, satire, and a touch of absurdity to create a narrative that resonates just as much today as it did when it was penned. Soapy's antics are a mirror to the lengths we often go to achieve our goals, and his misadventures serve as a gentle nudge to find humor in life's setbacks.
In a world that sometimes takes itself too seriously, The Cop and the Anthem is a refreshing reminder that a good laugh can be the best companion.
So, if you're in need of a pick-me-up or just want to bask in the glow of witty storytelling, grab a copy of this delightful short story. Get ready to laugh, gasp, and cheer for Soapy as he navigates the comically chaotic streets of the city that never sleeps.
Rana Dil Nawaz.
Karachi, Pakistan.
https://ocdil.blog
Meet our charming protagonist, Soapy, a lovable vagabond with a knack for getting into the quirkiest of predicaments. From the very beginning, you'll find yourself rooting for Soapy, even as he hatches the most outrageous schemes to find a cozy jail cell for the winter. His escapades are like a masterclass in comedic desperation.
O. Henry's writing style is as witty as it gets, with punchlines that hit harder than a New York cab. The dialogue is snappy, and the narrative is peppered with hilarious one-liners that will have you chuckling into your tea. Soapy's misadventures are a delightful reminder that sometimes, life's greatest lessons come from the most unexpected sources.
Will he succeed in his quest for a warm bed and three square meals, or is fate determined to keep him on the chilly streets? O. Henry keeps you guessing till the very end, and the payoff is worth every chuckle.
What truly sets The Cop and the Anthem apart is its timeless humor. O. Henry masterfully weaves together irony, satire, and a touch of absurdity to create a narrative that resonates just as much today as it did when it was penned. Soapy's antics are a mirror to the lengths we often go to achieve our goals, and his misadventures serve as a gentle nudge to find humor in life's setbacks.
In a world that sometimes takes itself too seriously, The Cop and the Anthem is a refreshing reminder that a good laugh can be the best companion.
So, if you're in need of a pick-me-up or just want to bask in the glow of witty storytelling, grab a copy of this delightful short story. Get ready to laugh, gasp, and cheer for Soapy as he navigates the comically chaotic streets of the city that never sleeps.
Rana Dil Nawaz.
Karachi, Pakistan.
https://ocdil.blog
January 11, 2026
Sometimes we need to stop searching for ways to achieve our goals, rest, play and they will find us.
And, they will then usually lay a not so light hand on our shoulder and tell us will be detained by them for 3 months, a year, 10 years, 30 years... a lifetime. Choose carefully what you want from life.
And, they will then usually lay a not so light hand on our shoulder and tell us will be detained by them for 3 months, a year, 10 years, 30 years... a lifetime. Choose carefully what you want from life.
December 8, 2021
This was a random collection of classic short stories I picked up. I have never even heard of the author before. I loved some of the stories (giving one 5 stars), was indifferent to most.
June 4, 2024
An interesting story, can’t say the ending is that unexpected. Life is full of surprises, whatever you like it or not.
December 2, 2024
I only have The Cop and the Anthem
March 31, 2025
Just listened to The Cop and The Anthem
October 31, 2025
[From Best Short Stories]
Genuinely hilarious (The Cop and The Anthem), don't know what other stories are there.
Genuinely hilarious (The Cop and The Anthem), don't know what other stories are there.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews