The Gentle Grafter (1907) is a collection of fourteen short stories by
American writer O. Henry. Inspired by his experiences as a fugitive and
prisoner, these tales follow the escapades of two professional con
artists whose humor and storytelling ability illuminate the nature of
wealth and crime in early twentieth century America. In "Modern Rural
Sports," con-man Jeff Peters recalls a job in a rural Western town
where, in need of money, he devised a plan with his friend Andy Tucker
to steal from a humble farmer. When he shows up to the man's farm,
however, Jeff is surprised to find a well-dressed, well-mannered
gentleman who lives in an impressive home with modern amenities. As he
attempts his con, Jeff is rebuffed and ignored by a man too busy with
gambling, stocks, and purchasing to entertain his unwanted company.
Defeated, he returns to Andy, who comes up with a method of his own.
"Conscience in Art" follows these characters to Pittsburgh, where they
hope to trick one of the city's newly made millionaires. Andy befriends
a wealthy art collector, who shows him a rare carving and explains there
were only two of them made. Seeing his chance, he convinces Jeff, who
believes they can only steal if they give something in return, that he
has found the carving's replica, and sends his partner to sell it to the
collector. The Gentle Grafter is a collection of interconnected short
stories that deal humorously with themes of greed, wealth, and deceit.
With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript,
this edition of O. Henry's The Gentle Grafter is a classic of American
literature reimagined for modern readers.
