Horatio Alger

Andy Gordon. The Fortunes of A Young Janitor Horatio Alger

Horatio Alger Jr. (1832 - 1899), began his writing career by publishing in local newspapers. He turned professional in 1849, when a Boston magazine, the Pictorial National Library purchased a poem and two essays. Alger wrote four adult novels, and one adult novella, but he gained notoriety when his friendship with 'William Taylor Adams', a boys' author, changed Horatio's interest to writing for the juvenile market. Andy Gordon, or the Fortune's of a Young Janitor is one of Horatio Alger's 'formulaic rags-to-riches' written books for boys. It is a simple tale, yet has many twists and turns. As a janitor at the school which he attends, Andrew Gordon works hard to help support his widowed mother, and studies diligently to improve their lot. A classmate's lies, a scheming neighbor, thieves in the night, and a shiftless boss, add to Andy's difficulties. With the aid of two elderly women, a generous, kind uncle, and Andy's own intelligence and honesty, our hero manages to rise above his poor circumstances and help his widowed mother to move up in the world.