Horatio Alger

Horatio Alger Biography

Horatio Alger Jr. was an American writer and educator, who lived from 1832 to 1899. He was best known for his series of novels for young readers which depicted the rise of poor boys to success through hard work and determination. The novels were popular in the late 19th century and were considered a reflection of the American Dream.

Alger was born in Massachusetts and graduated from Harvard College in 1852. He worked as a teacher and a minister before turning to writing full-time. His first novel, "Ragged Dick; or, Street Life in New York with the Boot-Blacks" was published in 1867 and was a commercial success, leading to the publication of several more books in the series. He wrote more than 100 novels and stories, all of which followed the same formula of a poor boy rising from rags to riches through hard work and honesty.

Alger's work was influential in shaping the American ideals of success through hard work and perseverance, but later on, his works were criticized for their lack of realism and their promotion of the idea that poverty could be easily overcome. Despite the criticism, his works remained popular and continue to be read today. He died in 1899 in New York City.

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