The Store Boy

The life of Horatio Alger, Jr. reflects a dramatic shift from a brief career as a Unitarian minister to becoming a prolific writer of boys' literature following a scandal that ended his clerical career. Born in Massachusetts and educated at Harvard, he gained fame with his popular boys' books, particularly "Ragged Dick," published in 1868. Alger's works often emphasize themes of hard work, perseverance, and the American Dream, resonating with young readers and contributing to his lasting legacy in American literature.