Helpful Score: 2
FROM THE PUBLISHER
"I ain't knocked 'round the city streets all my life for nothin'," exclaims Ragged Dick, the fast-talking boy hero in Horatio Alger's classic tale of rags-to-riches. Young Dick is a plucky street boy who smokes, gambles, and speaks ungrammatically - but he is also honest and hardworking, striving not for wealth and status, but for a steady job, a decent place to sleep, and respectability. A quintessential boy's novel of adventure, romance, and coming-of-age, Ragged Dick brings to life the drama and excitement of living amongst other young outcasts in the crowded streets of lower Manhattan. It is at the same time an exhilarating tale of one boy's metamorphosis from a dirty street urchin to a handsome, self-respecting gentleman.
"I ain't knocked 'round the city streets all my life for nothin'," exclaims Ragged Dick, the fast-talking boy hero in Horatio Alger's classic tale of rags-to-riches. Young Dick is a plucky street boy who smokes, gambles, and speaks ungrammatically - but he is also honest and hardworking, striving not for wealth and status, but for a steady job, a decent place to sleep, and respectability. A quintessential boy's novel of adventure, romance, and coming-of-age, Ragged Dick brings to life the drama and excitement of living amongst other young outcasts in the crowded streets of lower Manhattan. It is at the same time an exhilarating tale of one boy's metamorphosis from a dirty street urchin to a handsome, self-respecting gentleman.
Donna E. (impossible) reviewed Ragged Dick Or, Street Life in New York with the Boot Blacks on + 3352 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A treasure from US writing of 1860s. Horatio Alger is now a part of American history. His writings are knows but seldom read. Here's a chance to read one of his books. Lay aside modern prejudices and let yourself be drawn in by a story from another century.
Thomas F. (hardtack) -
This was Alger's first and most successful novel written for boys. I remember reading several when a youngster myself, including this one, which I just reread. These novels are simplistic stories of how disadvantaged youngsters can make good if they follow the straight and narrow path and do what is right. It also helps if you accomplish some heroic feat which earns you the gratitude of s rich man.
