Horatio Alger Jr. was an American author best known for his young adult novels that focused on the themes of hard work, perseverance, and the rise from poverty to success. Born on January 13, 1832, in Chelsea, Massachusetts, he graduated from Harvard University and later attended Harvard Divinity School. Alger's works, primarily aimed at young readers, often centered around impoverished boys who, through good deeds, honesty, and tireless effort, rise to middle-class security and comfort. His most famous work, Ragged Dick, became an archetype of the rags-to-riches genre, emphasizing the importance of personal integrity and the belief that anyone, regardless of their social standing, could improve their circumstances with hard work and moral character. Alger's life, marked by his own struggles and hardships, mirrored many of the stories he wrote. Although his works fell out of favor in the 20th century, they were hugely popular during his lifetime and remain significant in the history of children's literature. Alger passed away on July 18, 1899, but his influence on American literature and the genre of juvenile fiction continues to be felt.
