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source: wikipedia.org
13 Jan, 1832
18 Jul, 1899
Unknown
American
Author
67
Horatio Alger was an American author who became the epitome of the rags-to-riches success story. Born in 1832 in Chelsea, Massachusetts, Alger lived during a time of great social and economic change in the United States. His literary works soon became synonymous with the American Dream, capturing the imagination of readers for generations to come.
Alger had a modest upbringing. He was the son of a Unitarian Minister who was responsible for shaping his early education. Alger showed a lot of passion for literary works during his childhood, and this interest only continued to grow with time. Alger graduated from Harvard University with honors in 1852. Although Alger excelled academically, he faced a lot of financial problems, which would later become a recurring theme in his writings.
Alger started his career as a school teacher but continued to write for various magazines. His enrollment in the Harvard Divinity School in 1857 proved to be a turning point in his life. His experiences during this time laid the groundwork for his future literary endeavors.
Horatio Alger published his famous work titled Ragged Dick in 1867, which catapulted him to literary stardom. The story follows the life of a poor bootblack named Dick Hunter who rises to become a respected young man. The novel struck a chord with readers and resonated with the American public.
Alger’s subsequent novels followed the same formula, focusing on young protagonists who rise through adversity to become successful. He often featured characters from humble backgrounds who became successful, embodying the American Dream.
Alger’s novels had a profound cultural impact on his young readers and inspired them to work hard and achieve success through honesty, integrity, and hard work. His stories inspired readers to believe that anyone could achieve success through determination and moral fortitude.
Alger passed away in 1899, but his contributions to American literature continue to shape the hearts and minds of readers around the world.
Horatio Alger
Horatio Alger
Male
Unknown
Chelsea, Massachusetts, U.S.
Natick, Massachusetts, U.S.
Advocate: Horatio Alger was more sensitive to other’s feelings. This is evident in his writing style and how his experiences with the underprivileged shaped his writings.
After a brief stint as a minister, Alger was forced to leave his position in 1866 following allegations of sexual activities with local boys, leading him to move to New York City and focus on writing.
Despite being criticized for poor literary quality, Alger's books were enormously popular, selling over 20 million copies in his lifetime and helping shape the American ideal of success through hard work and perseverance.
Alger graduated from Harvard University with Phi Beta Kappa honors in 1852, where one of his favorite professors was the famous poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
His most famous book "Ragged Dick" (1868), about a poor bootblack rising to middle-class respectability, established the "rags-to-riches" theme that became known as the "Horatio Alger myth" in American culture.
Published over 100 books, with many becoming bestsellers in the late 19th century.
Wrote the popular “Ragged Dick” series, which established the “rags-to-riches” theme in American literature.
Sold more than 20 million copies of his books, making him one of the most widely read authors of his time.
Created the “Alger hero” archetype, which became a cultural phenomenon and influenced American ideals of success.