Hector's Inheritance or the Boys of Smith Institute [Paperback]

Horatio, Jr. Alger (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2005

1885. Alger is the original rags-to-riches guy, often credited with inventing the strive-and-succeed spirit that inspired boys to work hard and advance themselves in order to achieve the American Dream. This theme resonates throughout his numerous writings. From Chapter One: That is more reasonable, said Mr. Roscoe, to himself, as he laid down the letter. Three hundred dollars I consider a fair price. At any rate, I do not propose to pay any more for Hector. I suppose the table is plain enough, but I don't believe in pampering the appetites of boys. If he were the master of Roscoe Hall, as he thinks he is, there might be some propriety in it; but upon that head I shall soon undeceive him. I will let him understand that I am the proprietor of the estate, and that he is only a dependent on my bounty. I wonder how he will take it. I dare say he will make a fuss, but he shall soon be made to understand that it is of no use. Now to answer these letters. See other titles by this author available from Kessinger Publishing.

Product Details

• Paperback: 316 pages
• Publisher: Kessinger Publishing (March 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1417900474
• ISBN-13: 978-1417900473
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Another luck and pluck story, October 25, 2005

By 

Henry Cate III (CA. United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hector's inheritance, or, The Boys of Smith Institute

This is a fairly classic Horatio Alger setting. Hector's father has died. Hector's uncle shows some evidence that Hector was adopted and thus not entitled to inherit the estate.

The uncle sends Hector off to a school. The owner of the school is a real jerk. The owner's nephew, Jim, is a bully. Hector puts the bully in his place; there are a couple fights. Jim frames Hector for stealing. Hector's friends are able to show that the bully was the thief. Once his name is cleared, Hector leaves the school.

Hector travels to New York City and stays with a friend. He rescues a young girl from a speeding carriage (I wonder how many times this happens in an Alger book.) Hector is sent to California on a mission for a friend of his, and along the way he is able to get proof that he was his father's son, and the Uncle has to give up the estate.

This is a fairly pleasant, average Horatio Alger story. If you've enjoyed other Alger stories, you'll enjoy this one. If the Alger stories are new to you, this is a good one to start with.