History Creator / HoratioAlgerJr

* TheAmericanDream: Start with next to nothing, climb the career ladder with honest hard work, retire comfortably.

* BadGuysPlayPool--In ''The Erie Train Boy'', the hero Fred is sent into a seedy bar in Canada where he plays pool with a robber to endear himself to him and get access to his stolen loot.

Inspired by this work, and his religious upbringing, Horatio Alger decided to write a book specifically to inspire boys. He'd had some success as a writer previously, but this work, ''Ragged Dick'' was his first breakout hit, published first as a serial in 1867 and as a collected work in 1868. ''Ragged Dick'' is the story of an orphaned bootblack living on the streets of New York, a flawed but basically good boy who has no long term plans. An older man who'd successfully lifted himself from poverty gives Dick advice, and shortly thereafter Dick's initiative and pluck earns him a small nest egg and some decent clothes. By pluck, determination, and some [[ContrivedCoincidence amazing luck]] (as well as some helpful adults at key points), Dick is able to advance himself into a steady job as a entry-level {{Clerk}}.

Alger moved to New York City where he became associated with the Newsboy Lodging House and other charities helping impoverished children. He worked extensively with boys, eating meals and sleeping in the dormitories, and sometimes inviting them to his apartment. There are no further records that he did anything untoward with these acquaintances, and we may take it that he kept his pants buttoned. Whatever helps me sleep at night....

Horatio Alger, Jr. (1832–1899) was the author of a series of popular novels about disadvantaged boys overcoming their circumstances to become successful members of society.

* AmbitionIsEvil: Averted hard.

Horatio Alger, Jr. (1832-1899) was the author of a series of popular novels about disadvantaged boys overcoming their circumstances to become successful members of society.

The popularity of the books nosedived with the start of the Great Depression, which made the promises of [[HardWorkFallacy prosperity through hard work seem hollow]]--and the general public's taste in literature changed, making Horatio Alger's books feel dated and old-fashioned. But the influence of Horatio Alger's work on the concept of UsefulNotes/TheAmericanDream is indisputable. Indeed, the RagsToRiches storyline he was famous for is sometimes referred to as a "Horatio Alger story".

* BadGuysPlayPool--In ''The Erie Train Boy''

The popularity of the books nosedived with the start of the Great Depression, which made the promises of [[HardWorkFallacy prosperity through hard work seem hollow]]--and the general public's taste in literature changed, making Horatio Alger's books feel dated and old-fashioned. But the influence of Horatio Alger's work on the concept of the AmericanDream is indisputable. Indeed, the RagsToRiches storyline he was famous for is sometimes referred to as a "Horatio Alger story".

The popularity of the books nosedived with the start of the Great Depression, which made the promises of prosperity through hard work seem hollow--and the general public's taste in literature changed, making Horatio Alger's books feel dated and old-fashioned. But the influence of Horatio Alger's work on the concept of the American Dream is indisputable. Indeed, the RagsToRiches storyline he was famous for is sometimes referred to as a "Horatio Alger story".

* {{Anvilicious}}--The narrator made absolutely sure the reader knew which aspects of the protagonist's behavior are good and which are to be deplored.