Ragged Dick

Horatio Alger Jr. was a prolific American author in the 19th century. Alger's books were noted for the type of "rags to riches" narrative that were common with the Gilded Age in America. Ragged Dick is considered to be Alger's greatest work. The story revolves around a 14 year old bootblack who desperately searches for ways to improve his standing in life.