Who was Horatio Alger, Jr.?
Q: Who was Horatio Alger, Jr.?
A: Horatio Alger, Jr. was an American writer who wrote magazine stories and poems, a few novels for adults, and over 100 boys' books. He is most famous for his book Ragged Dick which tells the story of a poor shoe shine boy in New York City who rises to middle class comfort and security through hard work, honesty, and a little luck.
Q: Where was Alger born?
A: Alger was born in Massachusetts.
Q: What did he do before becoming a professional writer?
A: Before becoming a professional writer, Alger attended Harvard College and became a Unitarian minister. However, his career as clergyman ended when he was charged with child molestation (though criminal charges were not placed against him).
Q: What kind of books did boys want in the 1870s?
A: In the 1870s boys wanted cowboys, hunters, and Indians in their books.
Q: How did public librarians respond to the later books written by Alger?
A: Public librarians began throwing away Alger's later books because they contained violence, murder, or other sensational themes that they felt children should not be reading.
Q: What did Algeria do during his last years?
A: During his last years Algeria went to the theatre, visited old friends, kept in touch with the boys he had helped over the years and based new books on those of his past.
Q: When did Algeria die? A: Algeria died at his sister's home in South Natick Massachusetts in 1899.
