"A writer for boys should have an abundant sympathy for them ... he should be able to enter their plans hopes and aspirations."
             Born January 13, 1832 in Revere, Massachusetts, the son of a Unitarian minister. His father so rigorously supervised his son's early training that at age nine the boy was known as "Holy Horatio." Soon he was doing superior work at Gates Academy and, later, at Harvard, from which he graduated at the age of 19. After a few years as a tutor and journalist, he acceded to his father's wishes and enrolled in the Harvard Divinity School, from which he received his diploma in 1860. But instead of entering the ministry, thanks to an unexpected inheritance, he was enabled to go abroad. Free from parental supervision, he enjoyed seven months of bohemian travel. Returning home, he served as a Unitarian minister until 1866, when he moved to New York, where he remained throughout his life. Having already published four moderately successful books for children, Alger continued writing, and with Ragged Dick he scored his first success.
             The opening quote shows insight in to Alger's mind, showing exactly how he believed an author should bring his charictors to life and this is where Alger's true art form is recognized and criticized. Horatio Alger is particularly famous for his descriptions of young boys in his "rags to riches" stories. This is most notable in the following quote:
             When Dick was dressed in his new attire, with his face and hands clean, and his hair brushed, it was difficult to imagine that he was the same boy.
             He now looked quite handsome, and might readily have been taken for a young gentleman, except that his hands were red and grimy.
             "Look at yourself," said frank, leading him before the mirror.
             "By gracious!" said Dick, starting back in astonishment, "that isn't me is it?"
             "Don't you know yourself?" asked Fr...