Horatio Alger Jr. war ein produktiver amerikanischer Autor des 19. Jahrhunderts, berühmt für seine Romane, die den Aufstieg armer Jungen aus bescheidenen Verhältnissen zu einem respektablen bürgerlichen Leben schildern. Seine Werke konzentrierten sich auf Themen wie harte Arbeit, Entschlossenheit und moralische Werte und zeigten oft, wie benachteiligte Jugendliche den amerikanischen Traum durch Tugend und Ausdauer erreichen konnten. Alger's Stil und seine Darstellung des sozialen Aufstiegs fanden bei den Lesern seiner Zeit großen Anklang und hinterließen ein bleibendes Erbe in der amerikanischen Kulturgeschichte.
Culturally significant, this reproduction preserves the integrity of the original artifact, showcasing its historical importance. Readers will encounter original copyright references and library stamps, reflecting its journey through esteemed libraries worldwide. This work serves as a vital contribution to the knowledge base of civilization, offering insights into its cultural heritage.
Excerpt from The Store Boy: Or the Fortunes of Ben Barclay "Give me a ride?" Ben Barclay checked the horse he was driving and looked attentively at the speaker. He was a stout-built, dark-complexioned man, with a beard of a week's growth, wearing an old and dirty suit, which would have reduced any tailor to despair if taken to him for cleaning and repairs. A loose hat, with a torn crown, surmounted a singularly ill-favored visage. "A tramp, and a hard-looking one!" said Ben to himself. He hesitated about answering, being naturally reluctant to have such a traveling companion. "Well, what do you say?" demanded the tramp, rather impatiently. "There's plenty of room on that seat, and I'm dead tired." "Where are you going?" asked Ben. "Same way you are - to Pentonville."