Cabbages and Kings

"Cabbages and Kings" by O. Henry is a collection of short stories written during the early 20th century. The book is set in the fictitious Latin American republic of Anchuria and revolves around the intrigues and adventures of various characters, particularly focusing on political machinations and personal entanglements involving figures like President Miraflores and the American investor Frank Goodwin. The opening of "Cabbages and Kings" introduces readers to Coralio, a coastal town in Anchuria, where the volatile political landscape is underscored by the tale of the recently deceased President Miraflores, who fled with government funds. The narrative unfolds with Frank Goodwin learning about a telegram related to the president's flight and the financial crisis unfolding in the country. As Goodwin moves to intercept Miraflores and the opera singer Isabel Guilbert, the tension and excitement in the small town increase, setting the stage for political intrigue and personal dramas interwoven with humor and wit, characteristic of O. Henry’s style. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

William Sydney Porter, better known by his pen name O. Henry, was an American writer known primarily for his short stories, though he also wrote poetry and non-fiction. His works include "The Gift of the Magi", "The Duplicity of Hargraves", and "The Ransom of Red Chief", as well as the novel Cabbages and Kings. Porter's stories are known for their naturalist observations, witty narration, and surprise endings.