NYC is noted for excelling at many things; that includes producing and inspiring some of the world’s best writers. Flavorwire shares its list of New York’s 100 most important living writers.

One of my literary heroes is O. Henry (1862-1910). Although he lived only 47 years, he produced some 600 short stories, defined by their keen insights about humanity and usually punctuated with a twist ending. Born in North Carolina, O. Henry moved around the country but his most prolific writing period started in 1902, when he moved to New York City; while there, he wrote 381 short stories. Visit Pete’s Tavern (est. 1864) in Gramercy Park and sit at the booth with the plaque stating that William Sydney Porter — pen name O. Henry — sat in that very same booth when he wrote The Gift of the Magi, his most famous story.

O. Henry loved New York, its people, places and potential. It has been reported that his last words were “Pull up the shades so I can see New York. I don’t want to go home in the dark.”
Amen.