Luke Walton
Jr. Horatio Alger
Jun 2017 · Otbebookpublishing
Ebook
239
Pages
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About this ebook
"News and Mail, one cent each!" Half a dozen Chicago newsboys, varying in age from ten to sixteen years, with piles of papers in their hands, joined in the chorus. They were standing in front and at the sides of the Sherman House, on the corner of Clark and Randolph Streets, one of the ted buildings in the Lake City. On the opposite side of Randolph Street stands a gloomy stone structure, the Court House and City Hall. In the shadow of these buildings, at the corner, Luke Walton, one of the largest newsboys, had posted himself. There was something about his bearing and appearance which distinguished him in a noticeable way from his companions.(Excerpt)
About the author
Horatio Alger Jr. (1832-1899) was an American author whose rags-to-riches tales became a cornerstone of 19th-century literature. Born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, Alger attended Harvard University, where he studied under the tutelage of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. His early career was marked by a brief stint as a minister, but a scandal involving allegations of inappropriate behavior led to his resignation and a pivot to writing.Alger's stories, often featuring young protagonists who rise from poverty to success through hard work, determination, and a bit of luck, struck a chord with a nation undergoing rapid industrialization and social change. His narratives encapsulated the American Dream, offering hope and moral lessons to a burgeoning middle class. Despite their formulaic nature, Alger's books were wildly popular, selling millions of copies and influencing generations of readers.However, Alger's life was not without controversy. His abrupt departure from the ministry and the subsequent whispers of scandal cast a shadow over his career. Additionally, modern critics have scrutinized his works for their simplistic moralism and lack of nuanced social critique. Yet, his influence on contemporary writers, including F. Scott Fitzgerald and Jack London, is undeniable. They drew inspiration from Alger's archetypal self-made man, even as they complicated and critiqued the myth he helped to create.Alger's legacy is a testament to the enduring allure of the American Dream, even as it invites ongoing debate about the realities of social mobility and the complexities of human character. His life and works remain a fascinating study of ambition, morality, and the power of storytelling in shaping cultural ideals.
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