This publication is the first full-fledged Russian-language biography of the outstanding American short story writer O. Henry (1862–1910). This man lived not one, but two lives. The first - under the name given at birth, William Sidney Porter - was strikingly different from the one that went under the pseudonym “O. Henry". At times, fate performed amazing somersaults, life was like an adventurous novel, in the kaleidoscopic rhythm of which people, cities and countries flashed, the hero experienced ups and downs, changed occupations and professions, the sublime was closely intertwined with the base and everyday. He experienced both the artist’s high achievements and dramatic human losses. The author of the book, an American literary critic, based on a wide range of sources, creates a lively and psychologically convincing portrait of an extraordinary person and writer.