Horatio Alger, Jr. (1832–1899) This widely-held view involves a significant simplification, as Alger’s characters do not typically achieve extreme wealth; rather they attain middle-class security, stability, and a solid reputation — that is, their efforts are rewarded with a place in society, not domination of it. He is noted as a significant figure in the history of American cultural and social ideals, even though his novels are rarely read these days. As bestsellers in their own time, Alger’s books rivaled those of Mark Twain in popularity
Home / Questions / Which 19th century American author is known for his rags to riches stories that illustrate how down-and-out boys can achieve the American dream of wealth and success through hard work?