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POOR BOOTBLACK’S RISE: THE TRUTH ABOUT HORATIO ALGER.
Classic literature is not affected by changes in fashion. Even a novel may bear truth eternal. Great writers understand the universal themes of humanity. And these ideas are awakened in the reader - page after page beckons more and more truth. There are but a few writers like Horatio Alger who brilliantly capture more than a universal theme, or place, setting, dialogue or character in a fictional story.
Alger is a prolific American icon of literature.
There were no rags to riches before him. He is the father of our overused cliches. Alger wrote many books including “Struggling Upward” and “Strive For Success”. The books were certainly “of the moment” as the “Gilded Age” may demand Alger’s prescription for success - “rise from humble backgrounds…live of middle-class security and comfort through hard work, determination, courage, and honesty.” Alger’s message resonated with his audience of boys and young men who were greatly influenced by his message of self-empowerment.
young Horatio Alger, July 1852
Although, his name is marred by rumors of alleged “sexual contact” with boys while he was a clergyman and other claims that he was gay, ” Alger’s work as an author holds great merit with no-doubt or controversy. Even today, more than a 130 years after his death is Horatio Alger’s message still popping. PICK. YOURSELF. UP. His ideals rest at the cornerstone of the American promise - “LIFE, LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS.”
