"Risen from the Ranks" is an enthralling novel written by Horatio Alger, a celebrated 19th-century American author renowned for his uplifting and inspirational stories. This book follows the journey of Paul Prescott and a young and hardworking farm boy with dreams of a brighter future. Living on a small farm, Paul faces financial struggles and limited opportunities. However, his strong work ethic and determination set him apart, as he aspires to rise above his humble beginnings and make a name for himself. Fate smiles upon Paul when he saves the life of a wealthy city merchant. Grateful for his heroic act, the merchant offers him an opportunity to work at his store in the bustling city of New York. Paul seizes the chance, leaving behind his rural life and embarking on a new adventure. As Paul navigates the challenges of city life and embraces his role at the store, he demonstrates honesty, integrity, and a remarkable ability to adapt. His exceptional character and perseverance capture the attention of his employer, who rewards him with promotions and increased responsibilities. "Risen from the Ranks" is a compelling tale of hard work, honesty, and the pursuit of the American Dream.

In 'Risen from the Ranks; Or, Harry Walton's Success' by Horatio Jr. Alger, readers are taken on a journey through the life of young Harry Walton as he rises from poverty to success. Alger's style is characterized by his depiction of moral lessons through the struggles and triumphs of his characters, making the book a classic example of 19th-century American literature. The novel is a testament to the American Dream and serves as an inspiration for young readers to persevere through adversity. The plot is filled with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged as they follow Harry on his path to success. Horatio Jr. Alger, known for his rags-to-riches stories, draws from his own experiences and observations of societal values to craft a narrative that resonates with readers of all ages. His own upbringing and career as a minister likely influenced his writing, as he often incorporated themes of moral character and hard work into his stories. Alger's deep understanding of the human spirit is evident in 'Risen from the Ranks,' making it a timeless classic. For those seeking a captivating tale of perseverance and success, 'Risen from the Ranks; Or, Harry Walton's Success' is a must-read. Alger's poignant storytelling and insightful character development make this book a valuable addition to any reader's library.

In Ragged Dick, Horatio Alger’s most successful book, Alger codified the basic formula he would follow in nearly a hundred subsequent novels for boys: a young hero, inexperienced in the temptations of the city but morally armed to resist them, is unexpectedly forced to earn a livelihood. The hero’s exemplary struggle—to retain his virtue, to clear his name of accusations, and to gain economic independence—was the basis of the Alger plot. Hugely popular at the turn of the twentieth century, Alger’s works have at different times been framed as a model for the “American dream” and as dangerously exciting sensationalism for young readers; Gary Scharnhorst’s new introduction separates the myth of Alger as “success ideologue” from the more complex messages conveyed in his work. Ragged Dick is paired in this edition with Risen from the Ranks, another coming-of-age story of a young man achieving respectability. Historical appendices include extensive contemporary reviews, material on the “success myth” associated with Alger, and parodies of Alger’s work.

Hoping to become a newspaper editor, a teen-age boy begins his career as a printer's devil.

How the rise of machines changed the way we think about work—and about success. The phrase “a strong work ethic” conjures images of hard-driving employees working diligently for long hours. But where did this ideal come from, and how has it been buffeted by changes in work itself? While seemingly rooted in America’s Puritan heritage, perceptions of work ethic have actually undergone multiple transformations over the centuries. And few eras saw a more radical shift than the American industrial age. Daniel T. Rodgers masterfully explores the ways in which the eclipse of small-scale workshops by mechanized production and mass consumption triggered far-reaching shifts in perceptions of labor, leisure, and personal success. He also shows how the new work culture permeated society, including literature, politics, the emerging feminist movement, and the labor movement. A staple of courses in the history of American labor and industrial society, Rodgers’s sharp analysis is as relevant as ever as twenty-first-century workers face another shift brought about by technology. The Work Ethic in Industrial America 1850–1920 is a classic with critical relevance in today’s volatile economic times.