O. Henry Memorial Award Prize Stories of 1919

A collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. This anthology gathers narratives from various authors, selected and compiled to honor the legacy of the famed storyteller O. Henry, showcasing themes of realism, human emotion, and the intricacies of social interactions. The opening of this volume provides insight into the establishment of the O. Henry Memorial Award by The Society of Arts and Sciences as a tribute to O. Henry's literary contributions. It chronicles the deliberations of the Committee of Award and their criteria for selecting the best stories published in 1919. The accompanying introduction highlights the narratives included in the collection, emphasizing various themes such as the exploration of American life post-World War I, the enduring impact of personal loss, and the dynamics of social relationships, as exemplified by the first prize story, ''England to America'' by Margaret Prescott Montague. This initial story features a young American lieutenant, Skipworth Cary, navigating the complexities of English customs while grappling with his feelings of isolation among the Sherwood family, ultimately leading to poignant reflections on friendship and loss.