The Stories of O. Henry

New York: The Heritage Press, 1965. Hardcover. Edited and introduced by Harry Hansen. Illustrations by John Groth. Small 4to. Red cloth spine with gilt lettering and rose pictorial paper over boards, slipcase. xiv, 366pp. Illustrations (some color), pictorial pastedowns. Fine/very good. A tight, attractive copy of this "poor man's LEC" with a nice autograph addition: Tipped to the front pastedown is a Typed Letter Signed from Hansen, 1p, 8½" X 11", New York, NY, 1966 June 23. Addressed to noted Lincoln/Civil War scholar Arnold F. Gates (1914-93). Near fine. On letterhead of Hastings House, Publishers, Hansen writes to this long-time officer of the New York Civil War Round Table -- in part: "I would help you with the award if I were not opposed to it in its present form.... I thought the plaque was a mistake when it was first suggested, for what can anyone do with it? It is a large bronze ad for Fletcher Pratt, and most people have never heard of him. I wonder what the various recipients have done with it. From now on there will be few books on the Civil War, but of course the award can be given for work in American history.... My recommendation is quietly to drop the award...." Signed boldly in blue ink. Hansen (1884-1977) was a prolific editor, literary critic, journalist and historian.