Books with author Horatio Alger

In the late 1800's, Horatio Alger's books were eagerly devoured by thousands of boys who, like his heroes, aspired to make something of themselves in life. His values, and the values of his era, were simple ones of basic decency, hard work, and optimism. In "Strive and Succeed", we follow the continuing story of Walter Conrad (introduced in "Slow and Steady"), as he attempts to regain his inheritance, swindled out of him by unscrupulous mine operators.Excerpt:“You look very comfortable here, Mr. Barclay,” said Walter.“Yes, I have made the room pleasant. The books and pictures I brought with me, and the armchair I bought in the village. I am sensitive to cold, and so I have a fire lighted just before I come home in the afternoon.”“Have you any scholars in Latin?” asked Walter, seeing a copy of “Caesar’s Commentaries” on the table.“One—John Wall, the son of General Wall, the most prominent man in Portville.”“I have already made the young gentleman's acquaintance,” said Walter, smiling.“Indeed!” returned Allen Barclay, in surprise.“I met him in the stage. I don't think we were either of us very favorably impressed with the other.”Here he gave a brief account of the altercation between himself and John.“What you say does not surprise me,” said the teacher. “John is a thoroughly selfish, disagreeable boy, with a very lofty idea of himself and his position as the son of a rich man. He considers himself entitled to the best of everything. I am glad you did not give way to him.”“I am too independent for that,” answered Walter. “I don't allow myself to be imposed upon if I can help it, though I hope I am not often disobliging.”“You had no call to yield to him today.”“So I thought. What sort of a scholar is he?”“John Wall? Very poor. He will never set the river on fire with his learning or talents. In fact, if he were a better scholar, I might feel different about teaching him. I have only had an academy education, and have not been beyond Caesar myself. However, I have no trouble in keeping ahead of John.”Here Mr. Barclay was seized with a violent attack of coughing, which seemed to distress him.“I don't think I shall be able to keep on teaching,” he said, when the fit was over. “If I could only find someone to take my place as teacher, I would leave at once. It is the middle of the term, and I don't want the school closed.”An idea came to Walter. He was a good English scholar—had been as far in Latin as his companion—and was probably qualified to teach any scholars he was likely to have. It was desirable that he should have something to do, which would serve as a good excuse for remaining in Portville. Why should he not offer to supply Barclay's place, since he thought it necessary to resign?

‘Ragged Dick’ is a fourteen-year-old bootblack – he smokes, drinks occasionally, and sleeps on the streets – but he is anxious "to turn over a new leaf, and try to grow up 'spectable". He won't steal under any circumstances, and many gentlemen who are impressed with this virtue (and his determination to succeed) offer their aid… (Excerpt from Wikipedia)

‘Ragged Dick’ is a fourteen-year-old bootblack – he smokes, drinks occasionally, and sleeps on the streets – but he is anxious "to turn over a new leaf, and try to grow up 'spectable". He won't steal under any circumstances, and many gentlemen who are impressed with this virtue (and his determination to succeed) offer their aid… (Excerpt from Wikipedia)

‘Ragged Dick’ is a fourteen-year-old bootblack – he smokes, drinks occasionally, and sleeps on the streets – but he is anxious "to turn over a new leaf, and try to grow up 'spectable". He won't steal under any circumstances, and many gentlemen who are impressed with this virtue (and his determination to succeed) offer their aid… (Excerpt from Wikipedia)

‘Ragged Dick’ is a fourteen-year-old bootblack – he smokes, drinks occasionally, and sleeps on the streets – but he is anxious "to turn over a new leaf, and try to grow up 'spectable". He won't steal under any circumstances, and many gentlemen who are impressed with this virtue (and his determination to succeed) offer their aid… (Excerpt from Wikipedia)

"""OUT FOR BUSINESS"" is a complete tale in itself, but forms the first of two companion stories, the second being entitled ""Falling in with Fortune."" In this tale are related the various haps and mishaps which befall a sturdy country youth, of high moral aim, who, by the harsh actions of his step-father, is compelled to leave what had once been the best of homes, and go forth into the world to make his own way."

Tom Carver twirled his delicate cane and walked on complacently, feeling no pity for the schoolfellow with whom he used to be so intimate. He was intensely selfish - a more exceptional thing with boys than men. It sometimes happens that a boy who passes for good-hearted changes into a selfish man; but Tom required no change to become that. His heart was a very small one, and beat only for himself...

Horatio Alger's eye-opening tale of a boy's poverty and aspiration in 19th century New York is presented complete in this edition. When it was first published in 1868, Ragged Dick was praised both for its respect to the gritty reality of poverty on the streets of 19th century New York, and for its qualities of characterisation which resonated with readers, particularly young boys. The author Horatio Alger was all too aware of his literary limits, but resolved to publish books which would inspire his readers to lead morally upstanding and prosperous lives underpinned by honest deeds. We join the titular character, a bootblack aged fourteen years, as he resolves to leave his life of poverty and degradation. Starting with giving up drinking and smoking, our young protagonist keeps his vow to never steal, which impresses some of his gentleman peers who are moved to help his cause. Ragged Dick begins to help at church, and uses his pay to move into his own apartment. An inspirational tale which somewhat mirrors the qualities of the American Dream, Ragged Dick became a lasting favourite of readers and remains widely read to this day.

"FAME AND FORTUNE," like its predecessor, "Ragged Dick," was contributed as a serial story to the "Schoolmate," a popular juvenile magazine published in Boston. The generous commendations of the first volume by the Press, and by private correspondents whose position makes their approval of value, have confirmed the author in his purpose to write a series of stories intended to illustrate the life and experiences of the friendless and vagrant children to be found in all our cities, numbering in New York alone over twelve thousand.