Ragged Dick and Struggling Upward

by Horatio Alger Jr.

Book Overview

From the 1860's through the 1890s, Horatio Alger wrote hundreds of novels to teach young boys the merits of honesty, hard work, and cheerfulness in the face of adversity. As Carl Bode points out in his introduction, Horatio Alger filled a void in American literature and met scant competition both in the nature and the number of his works. Like his heroes, Alger rose to the top by chance, coincidence, and hard work.

The hero of Ragged Dick...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0140390332
• ISBN13: 9780140390339
• Release Date: January 1985
• Publisher: Penguin Adult Hc/Tr
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.1" x 7.7"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Ragged Dick - "rags to riches"

During 1850s, common stories about "poor city youths, newsboys and bootblacks" who became rich and famous which were popular. (Introduction, p. X) In "Ragged Dick" we have a young boy who is our "hero" or a main character which book concentrates upon. Alger opened up Dick's identity, inspirations, dreams, plans and hopes. Dick was a sarcastic youngster, generous towards friends, gambler and smoker. At the same time, he never steals, neither cheats nor hurt younger boys and this makes him a "noble" young gentleman. "[Dick's] pants were torn in several places, and had apparently belonged in the first instance to a boy two sizes larger than himself. He wore a vest, all the buttons of which were gone except two, out of which peeped a shirt which looked as if it had been worn a month. To complete his costume he wore a coat too long for him, dating back, if one might judge from its general appearance, to a remote tranquility." (p. 4) Throughout the book Alger draws us to see the transfer of a boy who once was Ragged Dick into a respectable young gentleman Richard Hunter. "When Dick was dressed in his new attire, with his face and hands clean, and his hair brushed, it was difficult to image that he was the same boy" Dick changes from being uneducated, dirty and wearing ragged clothes that are too big for him into a "quite handsome...young gentleman, except that his hands were red and grimy". (p. 24) Alger could have made Dick a good looking, rich and educated young gentleman but he chose completely the opposite. This way of writing only made it more realistic since not everyone becomes rich; we work hard to get there. Throughout the book, Alger opens the identities of all the characters, draws images of the New York City streets, transportation and structures. We learn about the games, cheats, crooks and tricks happening on the streets. (Introduction, p. xi) Alger draws our attention to the juvenile boys' desires for simple things such as: "a steady job, a decent place to sleep, a suit of clothing, respect from others" as well as planning for future. (Introduction, p. xii) There are a lot of details used to make our minds actually see the real pictures of the situations. Some of the details include about the greatest pleasure that Dick is experiencing with his saving's account that keeps on growing very slowly with every week and the first experience of washing his face because "[washing] the face and hands is usually considered proper in commencing the day, but Dick was above such refinement" (p. 4) Dick was unable to wash his hands and face since he was living on the street. The reason why I think Ragged Dick was a success is because this story was easy to read as well as inspiring. I had been left with a feeling that just as Dick kept telling his friends they can become smart and rich, I could too. I also find it interesting how this uneducated, dirty, sarcastic, young boy over the period of approximately one year turn into this young nob

An entertaining read promoting self-reliance and hard work

If you like underdog rags-to-riches stories and want to believe in an America where hard work and integrity still hold the key to success, then this book is for you. This is a fun book and Alger is a gifted writer. His Ragged Dick character is witty and charismatic, rising up from homeless street urchin to respected bookkeeper by dint of hard work, frugality and focused study. In an age of corporate greed and scandals (this year: Enron, Martha Stuart insider trading, etc.) it is refreshing to read stories where ordinary people transcend their circumstances with honesty, hard work, integrity, and compassion.

Fast-moving and exciting, this book is worth buying.

Horatio Alger made an instant classic when he wrote this book. Fast-moving, you can finish the book in one sitting. These two stories will reach all youth and even adults. Perfect book for those comming of age. A definite 5-star book!

Excellent! A true success story!

This book was great. it was about a boy who came from the streets of New York City who had to fend for himself. Even though he was very poor and lived on the streets he was very kind and always tried to help people out. this is a excellent book for it reminded me of people who come to New York city not having anything but at the same time possessing everything! he had dreams but thought he would never achive them. Ragged Dick was a powerful and complelling book. I couldn't put it down cause I wanted to read more of the boy's adventures through the streets of NEW York. it has left a warm place in my heart forever!

A Great Inspirational Novel- "Don't Quit!"

While this book was written more than one-hundred years ago- its message is as fitting today as it was then: the rewards in all areas of life go to those who believe in themselves, and act boldly in pursuit of their dreams. I would recommend this book to any young person interested who dreams of becoming successful. I first read this novel when I was 14 years old and now am a successful businessman ten years later. Many of the parables that Horatio Alger used have become very personally significant to me in my journey to success-- and I believe you can enjoy the same experience.