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“The Gentle Grafter” is one of the best collections of stories by the well-known American writer O. Henry (1862-1910). The stories are united by the through characters - companions Jeff Peters and Andy Tucker. Both of them earn their living by small-time roguery, exploiting such human vices as meanness, cupidity, credulity, foolishness and vanity. The wonder of it is that the main characters are also endowed with some positive features: the devotion to friendship, the ability to love, the observation of a peculiar code of honour. Sometimes they take the bait of the more crafty “colleagues” which endows the collection with special colour. The stories are well-written, filled with irony, humour, and hints; they thrill the reader and arouse bright feelings.

“The Noble Swindler” — is one of the best collections of short stories by the famous American writer O. Henry (1862—1910). These stories are united by the companion characters Jeff Peters and Andy Tucker. Both of them earn their living by petty fraud, exploiting such human vices as greed, self-interest, gullibility, stupidity, and vanity. Paradoxically, the main characters also possess certain positive traits: devotion to friendship, the ability to love, and adherence to a kind of honour code. Sometimes they themselves get caught on the hook of their more dexterous colleagues, which gives the collection a special flavour. The stories are written in an easy language, full of irony, humour, hints, captivate the reader and awaken bright feelings.