Fame and Fortune

This book was written for boys 150 years ago, so it isn't exactly a literary masterpiece, it has simple characters, and a very simple, naive plot. However it did stir in me a reminder of the capitalistic ideals of hard work, frugality, and self-discipline ... ideals you don't see very often nowadays. This is recommended as a fun read to anybody with capitalist values. A sample…

“"Fame and Fortune," like its predecessor, "Ragged Dick," was contributed as a serial story to the "Schoolmate," a popular juvenile magazine published in Boston. The generous commendations of the first volume by the Press, and by private correspondents whose position makes their approval of value, have confirmed the author in his purpose to write a series of stories intended to illustrate the life and experiences of the friendless and vagrant children to be found in all our cities, numbering in New York alone over twelve thousand.

In the preparation of the different volumes, the requisite information will be gathered from personal observation mainly, supplemented, however, by facts communicated by those who have been brought into practical relations with the class of children whose lives are portrayed.”