Most Popular Books by Horatio Alger

Frank and Fearless or The Fortunes of Jasper Kent: Large Print By Horatio Alger A dozen boys were playing ball in a field adjoining the boarding-school of Dr. Pericles Benton, in the town of Walltham, a hundred and twenty-five miles northeast of the city of New York. These boys varied in age from thirteen to seventeen. In another part of the field a few younger boys were amusing themselves. All these boys were boarding-scholars connected with the school. The ball had been knocked to a distance by the batter, and it was the duty of Nicholas Thorne, one of the oldest boys, to ran after it. But he thought of an easier way. "Cameron, run for that ball!" he cried, addressing one of the smaller boys outside the game. "I don''t want to," said little Cameron. "Did you hear what I said?" demanded Thorne, imperiously. "Yes." "Then you''d better go if you know what''s best for yourself," said the bully, frowning. "I ain''t in the game," said Cameron. "Why should I get the ball?" "Because I say so!" retorted the tyrant. "Run after it yourself, Thorne," said a lad named Davies. "It''s your business, not Cameron''s." "It''s his business, because I ordered him to do it," said Thorne, flushed and angry. "Do you think I will allow him to bully me?" "The boot''s on the other leg," said Davies, dryly. "Run after the ball, and don''t keep the game waiting." "That''s so," said half a dozen voices. "Let Cameron alone." "I won''t let him alone," said Thorne, who had by this time worked himself into a towering passion. "I''ll give him the worst flogging he ever had, if he doesn''t obey me!" We are delighted to publish this classic book as part of our extensive Classic Library collection. Many of the books in our collection have been out of print for decades, and therefore have not been accessible to the general public. The aim of our publishing program is to facilitate rapid access to this vast reservoir of literature, and our view is that this is a significant literary work, which deserves to be brought back into print after many decades. The contents of the vast majority of titles in the Classic Library have been scanned from the original works. To ensure a high quality product, each title has been meticulously hand curated by our staff. Our philosophy has been guided by a desire to provide the reader with a book that is as close as possible to ownership of the original work. We hope that you will enjoy this wonderful classic work, and that for you it becomes an enriching experience.

Horatio Alger was an American writer and an author of more than one hundred books, most of which were written for young readers. His best known work is called Ragged Dick and was published in 1867. The plot of this book follows a formula made so popular by Horatio Alger that the phrase "Horatio Alger story" has entered the English language and is used to describe any person who rises from poverty to comfort as a result of his or her own hard work and honesty. The plot is simple: an adolescent boy or young man, forced by circumstances beyond his control to make his own way in life, gradually overcomes difficulties because of his honesty, work ethic, and occasional help from older men who recognize the hero''s potential.

Horatio Alger Jr. January 13, 1832 - July 18, 1899) was an American writer, best known for his many young adult novels about impoverished boys and their rise from humble backgrounds to lives of middle-class security and comfort through hard work, determination, courage, and honesty. His writings were characterized by the "rags-to-riches" narrative, which had a formative effect on the United States during the Gilded Age.All of Alger''s juvenile novels share essentially the same theme, known as the "Horatio Alger myth" a teenage boy works hard to escape poverty. Often it is not hard work that rescues the boy from his fate but rather some extraordinary act of bravery or honesty. The boy might return a large sum of lost money or rescue someone from an overturned carriage. This brings the boy-and his plight-to the attention of a wealthy individual.Alger secured his literary niche in 1868 with the publication of his fourth book, Ragged Dick, the story of a poor bootblack''s rise to middle-class respectability. This novel was a huge success. His many books that followed were essentially variations on Ragged Dick and featured casts of stock characters: the valiant hard-working, honest youth, the noble mysterious stranger, the snobbish youth, and the evil, greedy squire.In the 1870s, Alger''s fiction was growing stale. His publisher suggested he tour the American West for fresh material to incorporate into his fiction. Alger took a trip to California, but the trip had little effect on his writing: he remained mired in the tired theme of "poor boy makes good." The backdrops of these novels, however, became the American West rather than the urban environments of the northeastern United States.

Two boys were walking in the campus of the Bridgeville Academy. They were apparently of about the same age-somewhere from fifteen to sixteen-but there was a considerable difference in their attire. Herbert Grant was neatly but coarsely dressed, and his shoes were of cowhide, but his face indicated a frank, sincere nature, and was expressive of intelligence. His companion was dressed in a suit of fine cloth, his linen was of the finest, his shoes were calfskin, and he had the indefinable air of a boy who had been reared in luxury. He had not the broad, open face of his friend-for the two boys were close friends-but his features were finely chiseled, indicating a share of pride, and a bold, self-reliant nature. He, too, was an attractive boy, and in spite of his pride possessed a warm, affectionate heart and sterling qualities, likely to endear him to those who could read and understand him. Horatio Alger, Jr. (January 13, 1832 – July 18, 1899) was a prolific 19th-century American author, best known for his many juvenile novels about impoverished boys and their rise from humble backgrounds to lives of middle-class security and comfort through hard work, determination, courage, and honesty. His writings were characterized by the "rags-to-riches" narrative, which had a formative effect on America during the Gilded Age. Alger''s name is often invoked incorrectly as though he himself rose from rags to riches, but that arc applied to his characters, not to the author. Essentially, all of Alger''s novels share the same theme: a young boy struggles through hard work to escape poverty. Critics, however, are quick to point out that it is not the hard work itself that rescues the boy from his fate, but rather some extraordinary act of bravery or honesty, which brings him into contact with a wealthy elder gentleman, who takes the boy in as a ward. The boy might return a large sum of money that was lost or rescue someone from an overturned carriage, bringing the boy—and his plight—to the attention of some wealthy individual. It has been suggested that this reflects Alger''s own patronizing attitude to the boys he tried to help.

Tom, The Bootblack; or, The Road to Success

Randy Of The River by Jr. Horatio Alger is a compelling anthology featuring the standout story "Randy of the River." This tale takes readers on an engaging journey through the vibrant world of a Hudson River steamboat, where young Randy Thompson''s journey highlights the significance of character over wealth. At just fourteen, Randy is a deckhand whose heart of gold and determination guide him through the trials of poverty and the allure of wrongdoing. Set against the majestic river, this story delves into themes such as honesty, hard work, and the courage to stand up to bullies like Bob Bangs, a wealthy town bully who epitomizes arrogance and a lack of integrity. Randy''s adventures unfold in a backdrop rich with depictions of boat life and the challenges of adolescence, emphasizing the importance of patience, loyalty, and the far-reaching effects of one''s actions on their community. Perfect for young readers, this tale imparts a powerful message about the virtues of perseverance and integrity, showing that humble beginnings can lead to a fulfilling life. Subjects like conduct of life, boats and boating, poverty, and bullies are interwoven in this juvenile fiction, making it a meaningful read for those interested in stories about character and morality. Randy Of The River is an anthology that captures the essence of true success, offering readers an inspiring reminder that character and a willingness to help others are the keys to a rewarding life. This collection is a must-read for anyone seeking stories that celebrate the triumph of integrity over adversity.

Reproduction of the original: Making his Mark by Horatio Alger

From Canal Boy to President; or, The Boyhood and Manhood of James A. Garfield Horatio Alger, Jr. (January 13, 1832 – July 18, 1899) was a prolific 19th-century American author, best known for his many juvenile novels about impoverished boys and their rise from humble backgrounds to lives of middle-class security and comfort through hard work, determination, courage, and honesty. His writings were characterized by the "rags-to-riches" narrative, which had a formative effect on America during the Gilded Age. Alger''s name is often invoked incorrectly as though he himself rose from rags to riches, but that arc applied to his characters, not to the author. Essentially, all of Alger''s novels share the same theme: a young boy struggles through hard work to escape poverty. Critics, however, are quick to point out that it is not the hard work itself that rescues the boy from his fate, but rather some extraordinary act of bravery or honesty, which brings him into contact with a wealthy elder gentleman, who takes the boy in as a ward. The boy might return a large sum of money that was lost or rescue someone from an overturned carriage, bringing the boy—and his plight—to the attention of some wealthy individual. It has been suggested that this reflects Alger''s own patronizing attitude to the boys he tried to help.

Part of a series of rags to riches stories of boys achieving the American dream of wealth through hard work, these works can also be seen as helpful in understanding the development of American cultural and social ideals. (Goodreads)

Fifteen year old Harry Gilbert worked in a grocery to support his widowed mother, but lost his job to the storekeeper''s relative. After escaping a trick trap set by his tormentors, Harry discovers a tin box that changes his life.

Luke, a Chicago newsboy, takes his life in his hands when he resolves to confront the man who robbed Luke''s father of his wealth and bring him to justice. In the Way to Success Series.

Reproduction of the original: The Young Adventurer by Horatio Alger

A group of boys was assembled in an open field to the west of the public schoolhouse in the town of Crawford. Most of them held hats in their hands, while two, stationed sixty feet distant from each other, were "having catch." Tom Pinkerton, son of Deacon Pinkerton, had just returned from Brooklyn, and while there had witnessed a match game between two professional clubs. On his return he proposed that the boys of Crawford should establish a club, to be known as the Excelsior Club of Crawford, to play among themselves, and on suitable occasions to challenge clubs belonging to other villages. This proposal was received with instant approval. "I move that Tom Pinkerton address the meeting," said one boy. "Second the motion," said another. As there was no chairman, James Briggs was appointed to that position, and put the motion, which was unanimously carried.

First published in 1883 by G.W. Carleton & Co. & Street & Smith, New York.