=HORATIO ALGER, JR.=
* * * * *
The enormous sales of the books of Horatio Alger, Jr., show thegreatness of his popularity among the boys, and prove that he is one oftheir most favored writers. I am told that more than half a millioncopies altogether have been sold, and that all the large circulatinglibraries in the country have several complete sets, of which only twoor three volumes are ever on the shelves at one time. If this is true,what thousands and thousands of boys have read and are reading Mr.Alger's books! His peculiar style of stories, often imitated but neverequaled, have taken a hold upon the young people, and, despite theirsimilarity, are eagerly read as soon as they appear.
Mr. Alger became famous with the publication of that undying book,"Ragged Dick, or Street Life in New York." It was his first book foryoung people, and its success was so great that he immediately devotedhimself to that kind of writing. It was a new and fertile field for awriter then, and Mr. Alger's treatment of it at once caught the fancy ofthe boys. "Ragged Dick" first appeared in 1868, and ever since then ithas been selling steadily, until now it is estimated that about 200,000copies of the series have been sold.
--"Pleasant Hours for Boys and Girls."
* * * * *
A writer for boys should have an abundant sympathy with them. He shouldbe able to enter into their plans, hopes, and aspirations. He shouldlearn to look upon life as they do. Boys object to be written down to. Aboy's heart opens to the man or writer who understands him.
--From "Writing Stories for Boys," by Horatio Alger, Jr.
Ben, the Luggage Boy; Or, Among the Wharves Page 37
