The Errand Boy

The Errand Boy

A Tale of Ambition, Resilience, and the American DreamBy Horatio Alger
Michael Caine
Listen with Sir Michael Caine™ and 1,000+ voices
Length6h 29m

About this audiobook

In "The Errand Boy," Horatio Alger weaves a compelling narrative that epitomizes the rags-to-riches motif central to his oeuvre. This novel follows the journey of young Frank, a determined boy navigating the gritty streets of New York City in his quest for success. Through Alger's characteristic straightforward prose and engaging character development, readers are drawn into the trials and triumphs of Frank as he embodies the virtues of hard work, integrity, and perseverance. Set against the backdrop of the bustling, industrialized America of the late 19th century, the book reflects the societal values and economic realities of the time, presenting a moralistic tale aimed at inspiring a sense of hope and agency in the young readers of his era. Horatio Alger, an influential figure in American literature, rose from humble beginnings himself, which deeply informed his writing. Born in 1832, Alger faced early struggles with his career and personal life, ultimately embracing the themes of ambition and resilience that resonate within his novels. His experiences shaped his understanding of the American Dream, making him a voice for the impoverished youth seeking social mobility during a time of great economic disparity. "The Errand Boy" is not merely a story of personal triumph; it is a vital cultural artifact that challenges readers to reflect on the values of industry, morality, and success. This timeless tale is highly recommended for anyone interested in the underpinnings of the American Dream or seeking inspiration from the resilience of youth amidst adversity.

Audiobook details

GenreLiterary Classics, General Fiction
Length6 hrs 29 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateApr 11, 2021
LanguageEnglish

Table of contents

1Chapter I: Phil Has a Little Difficulty
21Chapter XXI: "They Met by Chance"
2Chapter II: A Strange Revelation
22Chapter XXII: Phil Is "Bounced"
3Chapter III: Phil's Sudden Resolution
23Chapter XXIII: An Explanation
4Chapter IV: Mr. Lionel Lake
24Chapter XXIV: Raising the Rent
5Chapter V: An Overbearing Conductor
25Chapter XXV: Alonzo Is Puzzled
Show all chapters
6Chapter VI: Signor Orlando
26Chapter XXVI: A Wonderful Change
7Chapter VII: Bowerman's Varieties
27Chapter XXVII: An Unpleasant Surprise
8Chapter VIII: The House in Twelfth Street
28Chapter XXVIII: An Unsatisfactory Conference
9Chapter IX: The Old Gentleman Proves a Friend
29Chapter XXIX: A Truce
10Chapter X: Phil Calls on Mr. Pitkin
30Chapter XXX: Phil's Trust
11Chapter XI: Phil Enters upon His Duties
31Chapter XXXI: Phil Is Shadowed
12Chapter XII: Mr. Lionel Lake Again
32Chapter XXXII: Phil Is Robbed
13Chapter XIII: Phil's New Home
33Chapter XXXIII: A Terrible Situation
14Chapter XIV: Consulting the Oracle
34Chapter XXXIV: Phil's Friends and His Enemies
15Chapter XV: Phil and the Fortune-Teller
35Chapter XXXV: The Pitkins Retire in Disgust
16Chapter XVI: Mrs. Brent's Strange Temptation
36Chapter XXXVI: The False Heir
17Chapter XVII: Jonas Joins the Conspiracy
37Chapter XXXVII: Mrs. Brent's Panic
18Chapter XVIII: The Conspiracy Succeeds
38Chapter XXXVIII: An Important Discovery
19Chapter XIX: A Narrow Escape from Detection
39Chapter XXXIX: At the Palmer House
20Chapter XX: Left out in the Cold
40Chapter XL: A Scene Not on the Bills

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