The Gentle Grafter (short story collection, Henry)

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The Gentle Grafter
1908
Summary of the Collection of Short Stories
Microsummary: A collection of short stories featuring con men and swindlers, often with a humorous twist, showcasing O. Henry's wit and keen observations of human nature.

The Octopus Marooned

The Octopus Marooned (Henry)

Two con men monopolized a town's alcohol supply during a flood, but their scheme backfired when one of them, under the influence, delivered a powerful temperance speech, causing the townspeople to pledge sobriety.

Jeff Peters as a Personal Magnet

Jeff Peters as a Personal Magnet (Henry)

A con man posing as a doctor used personal magnetism to cure a fake illness in a mayor, only to be arrested by a detective, who turned out to be his future business partner.

Modern Rural Sports

Modern Rural Sports (Henry)

Two swindlers attempted to con a seemingly wealthy farmer, only to find him well-educated and seemingly immune to their tricks, until one of them successfully used an old-fashioned scam.

The Chair of Philanthromathematics

The Chair of Philanthromathematics (Henry)

Two swindlers started a university as an act of philanthropy, but ended up profiting from it by secretly running a gambling operation for the wealthy students.

The Hand That Riles the World

The Hand That Riles the World (Henry)

A tale of ambition, greed, and the consequences of trying to control the world through manipulation and deceit.

The Exact Science of Matrimony

The Exact Science of Matrimony (Henry)

Two con men set up a fake matrimonial agency, but their plans go awry when they become entangled in the lives of their clients.

A Midsummer Masquerade

A Midsummer Masquerade (Henry)

A group of friends attend a masquerade ball, where mistaken identities and romantic entanglements lead to a night of comedy and intrigue.

Shearing the Wolf

Shearing the Wolf (Henry)

A swindler attempts to fleece a wealthy man but finds himself outwitted by his intended victim.

Innocents of Broadway

Innocents of Broadway (Henry)

A tale of naive newcomers to the big city, who find themselves caught up in the schemes of seasoned con artists.

Conscience in Art

Conscience in Art (Henry)

An artist struggles with the moral implications of his work, as he is torn between his desire for success and his commitment to his artistic integrity.

The Man Higher Up

The Man Higher Up (Henry)

A story of political corruption and the lengths people will go to maintain power and control.

A Tempered Wind

A Tempered Wind (Henry)

A con man's plans are thwarted by an unexpected act of kindness, forcing him to reevaluate his priorities and the direction of his life.

Hostages to Momus

Hostages to Momus (Henry)

A group of friends find themselves at the mercy of a mischievous trickster, who delights in causing chaos and confusion.

The Ethics of Pig

The Ethics of Pig (Henry)

A tale of greed, deception, and the ultimate price one must pay for their actions.