Horatio Alger Jr. était un auteur américain prolifique du XIXe siècle, réputé pour ses romans décrivant l'ascension d'enfants issus de milieux modestes vers une sécurité et un confort bourgeois respectables. Ses récits exploraient constamment des thèmes tels que le travail acharné, la détermination et l'intégrité morale, illustrant comment les jeunes défavorisés pouvaient réaliser le rêve américain par la vertu et la persévérance. Le style distinctif d'Alger et sa représentation de la mobilité sociale ont profondément résonné auprès des lecteurs de son époque, consolidant son importance dans l'histoire culturelle américaine.
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."