This is a typical rags-to-riches story about a young boy growing to success through honorable behavior and hard work. The prominent personage is Ragged Dick, a fourteen-year-old bootblack who earns a living by cleaning shoes, and his only joy is smoking and occasional drinking. Yet, his main virtue is prudence. He won't steal at any occasion and dreams to succeed by earnest work. However, good strangers notice his determination to live a better life and help him either by paying an excellent salary to rent a room or offering him a job and clothing. Eventually, Dick quits drinking and smoking and grows into an honorable young gentleman. Hence, he calls himself Richard Hunter, Esq.
In this classic rags-to-riches tale, discover the exhilarating story of one boy’s metamorphosis from a street urchin in New York City to a handsome, self-respecting gentlemen. Part coming of age tale and part adventure novel, Ragged Dick is the story of a fast-talking, plucky street boy who gambles, smokes, and has no formal education. But Dick is also hardworking, striving not for wealth and status, but for a steady job, a decent place to sleep, and respectability. Set amidst the drama and perils of growing up as an outcast in the gritty underbelly of NYC, this novel illustrates the courage, tenacity, and resilience of one young boy who, in the face of adversity, aims to pull himself up by his bootstraps and persevere. With an Introduction by Michael Meyer and a New Afterword by Bryan Waterman
Ragged Dick is a homeless fourteen-year-old bootblack, known to be an honest young man. He is generous and industrious, but he is a spendthrift. He is a good-looking boy that appears aristocratic with a frank and open face. Dick must handle con artists, bullies, false accusations of theft, and, most of all, overcoming his inability to read and write. Of particular interest are the descriptions of life on the streets of late 19-century New York City. This edition of the book contains four original illustrations, rejuvenated.
"Mr. Standfast" is the third part of a trilogy which begins with "The Thirty-Nine Steps" and "Greenmantle". In this nail-biting adventure story, Hannay must outwit a foe far more intelligent than himself; muster the courage to propose to the lovely, clever Mary Lamington; and survive a brutal war. Although Mr. Standfast is a sequel to The Thirty-Nine Steps, it offers far more characterisation and philosophy than the earlier book. For its pace and suspense, its changes of scenery and thrilling descriptions of the last great battles against the Germans, Mr Standfast offers everything that has made its author so enduringly popular.
Ragged Dick: Dreams and Determination in the Heart of New York: Step into the bustling streets of New York City alongside Dick, as he rises from humble beginnings to prove that determination and grit can change the course of one's life. Ragged Dick Or, Street Life in New York with Boot-Blacks by Horatio Alger: Step into the bustling streets of 19th-century New York City with Ragged Dick Or, Street Life in New York with Boot-Blacks by Horatio Alger. This novel follows the journey of Dick Hunter, a poor and ambitious bootblack, as he navigates the challenges of urban life. Alger's narrative weaves a tale of determination, morality, and the pursuit of the American Dream in the face of adversity. Why This Book? Character Development: Alger's exploration of Dick's transformation from poverty to success offers a timeless story of personal growth and resilience, resonating with readers of all ages. Social Commentary: The novel addresses social mobility, ethics, and the impact of economic circumstances on individuals, sparking discussions about class and opportunity. Historical Insight: Gain insights into the urban environment and socio-economic conditions of 19th-century New York City, enhancing your understanding of this dynamic period. Moral Lessons: Alger's emphasis on honesty, hard work, and perseverance imparts valuable life lessons that remain relevant in today's world. Immerse yourself in the inspiring journey of Ragged Dick and explore the themes of personal growth and social mobility in the urban landscape of 19th-century America.
An expanded edition of the only comprehensive illustrated history of New York—with more than 600 ravishing photographs and illustrations—that tells the remarkable 400-year-long story of the city from its beginning in 1624 up to the current moment. The companion volume to the acclaimed PBS series. This landmark book traces the spectacular growth of New York from its initial settlement on the tip of Manhattan through the destruction wrought by the Revolutionary War to its rise as the nation’s premier commercial capital and industrial center and as a magnet for immigrant hopes and dreams in the 19th century to its standing as a beacon of modern culture in the 20th century and as a worldwide symbol of resilience in the 21st century. The story continues here with new chapters delivering a sweeping portrait of New York at the dawn of the 21st century, when it emerged after decades of decline to assert its place at the very center of a new globalized culture. Here is a city challenged—indeed, sometimes shaken to its core—by a series of profound crises: the aftermath of 9/11, the continual struggle with racial injustice, the financial crisis of 2008, the devastation of Superstorm Sandy, the still unfolding cataclysm of the COVID-19 pandemic—whose earliest and deadliest urban epicenter was New York itself. Here too is a lively portrait of the city’s vibrant street life and culture: the birth of hip-hop in the South Bronx, Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s Gates in Central Park, the musicals of Broadway, the explosion in location filmmaking in every borough, the pivotal rise of the tech industry, and so much more. The history of this city—especially in the tumultuous and transformative two decades detailed in the new chapters—is an epic story of rebirth and growth, an astonishing transfiguration, still in progress, of the world’s first modern city into a model and prototype for the global city of the future.
The novel tells the story of Harry Vane, a young boy who is determined to rise in society. He leaves home at the age of 14 to find work and support his family. Along the way, he faces many challenges, but he never gives up. He works hard and eventually achieves success. The book is a classic rags-to-riches story that teaches the importance of hard work, perseverance, and honesty. It is a reminder that anyone can achieve their dreams if they are willing to work hard and never give up. Bound to Rise; Or, Up the Ladder is a timeless classic that is still relevant today. It is a story that will inspire young people to dream big and never give up on their dreams.
