In "Ragged Dick, Or, Street Life in New York with the Boot-Blacks," Horatio Alger presents a vivid portrayal of urban youth amidst the hustle and bustle of 19th-century New York City. The novel is celebrated for its optimistic tone and accessible narrative style, combining elements of realism and moral didacticism. Through the eyes of Dick, a streetwise boot-black, Alger explores themes of perseve...