Ragged Dick

Or Street Life in New York with the Boot-Blacks

Horatio Alger Jr. (1832-1899) authored over 100 adventure books, many focusing on a poor boy's struggle to overcome poverty and adversity. Alger's books are fast-paced "page-turners" that have enjoyed immense popularity while advocating generosity, honesty, industry, thrift, temperance, education, and bravery. Alger was born near Boston, attended Harvard, and moved to New York City in 1866. He is one of America's all-time, best-selling fiction authors.

Ragged Dick details the adventures of Richard Hunter, a homeless boy who earns a living shining shoes on the streets of Manhattan in the mid 1800s. Inspired by a customer he meets, Dick resolves to improve his situation, finds a roommate who can act as his tutor, and overcomes adversity with wit and good cheer. First published in book form in 1866, Ragged Dick was Alger's first great publishing success.

Public Domain (P)2011 Aspen Leaf Media

A charming tale...

A vivid portrait of another season in time. A lovely, encouraging tale of a young hero overcoming circumstances by right actions, perseverance and a good heart...

Poor narrator

This is a typical Alger story. Rags to riches with an incredible amount of good luck for the heros. Alger was immensly popular during his time frame and this may appeal to history buffs for that reason. If you want a feel good story that ends well everytime and are not hung up on reality this is a fun read...or it would be with a better narrator. The gentleman who narrates Marjorie Morningstar would be excellent. Unfortunately, Christopher Crennen narrates like he is reading a laundry list and a boring one at that. A certain unpleasant twang on certain words doesn't help. He does articulate well.