Horatio Alger, Jr.
Abraham Lincoln, the Backwoods Boy
J. R. Anderson & Henry S. Allen, 1883

Several colors of cloth binding noted.

In the first edition, the ads in the front of the book list the
first two titles in "The Boyhood and Manhood Series of
Illustrious Americans" as in print, while number 3, "The
Surveyor Boy and President; or Young People's Life of
George Washington" will be "Ready in October".
Adrift in New York (softcover)
Street & Smith, Publishers, 1904

Number 243 from Street & Smith’s Medal Library
Series issued on January 30, 1904 in paper wrappers.

The first edition lists the present title at the top of
the Medal Library stories listed on the first page of book
advertisements at the front of the book. Later editions
indicate additional titles in print.

Gardner states that the first edition is the twopart Comfort Magazinesupplement issued in May and
June 1902, however, this item is considered a serialization
as it did not appear independently as a complete story.
Adrift in the City; or, Oliver Conrad's Plucky Fight
Porter & Coates, 1895

First edition book ads at the end of the book only list Harry
Castlemon books.
Andy Grant's Pluck
Henry T. Coates & Co, 1902

The first edition has the 1902 date on the title page.

This title (Andy Grant's Pluck) is not listed in the ads for
Alger books at the back of the book.
Ben Bruce
A. L. Burt, Publisher, 1901

The first edition has the title blind-stamped on a solid gold
band on the spine, and only the name "Alger" underneath.
Ben Logan's Triumph
Cupples & Leon, 1908

In the first edition, there is a circle around the publisher's
name at the bottom of the spine (Bennett and Gardner).

Gardner adds that the advertisements on the copyright
page lists Joe the Hotel Boy with the present title listed
below.

This is the 11th and final title of the Stratemeyer
completions.
Ben the Luggage Boy
A. K. Loring, 1870

In the first edition, the following titles are projected in the
advertisements in the front of the book: VI. Rufus and
Rose; or, the Fortunes of Rough and Ready(In December,
1870) and II. Sink or Swim; or, Harry Raymond’s
Resolve (In November, 1870).

Later printings move the illustration that, in the first issue,
faces page 13, to the frontispiece (Gardner).

Later editions use a decorative title page of four boys
instead of Ragged Dick standing alone in the first issue
(Bennett).

Apparently this book was issued simultaneously in two
binding states. The first state has “Luggage Boy” on one
line on the spine. The second (and later) states list
“Luggage Boy” on two lines.

In the first edition, the present title is the last title listed on
the copyright page.
Ben's Nugget
Porter & Coates, 1882

Later editions include book advertisements at the rear of
the book listing Alger titles up to Hector’s
Inheritance published in 1885 without revising the listing
on the copyright page.

The first edition was issued in both brown and gold cloth
with no known priority.
Bernard Brooks' Adventures
A. L. Burt, Publisher, 1903

In the first edition, the present title is not listed in the book
advertisements at the rear of the book (Bennett).

Gardner is silent on the above.
Bertha's Christmas Vision
Brown, Bazin and Company, 1856

First edition must have the 1856 date on title page.

Bound in several colors of cloth; no known priority.
Bob Burton
Porter & Coates, 1888

In the first edition, the price for the Go Ahead Series in
the rear book advertisements is listed at $3.75. Later
editions list the price at $4.50 (Bennett).

Gardner is silent on the above.

The first edition was issued in both brown and gold cloth
with no known priority.

In the first edition, the following titles are projected in the
advertisements in the front of the book: I. Julius, or the
Street Boy Out West, April ’74 and III.Up the Ladder; or,
Harry Walton’s Success, in Oct, ’74.

Gardner adds that the first edition does not include the
inserted illustration facing page 16 in later issues and the
engraving facing page 254 in the first edition was later
moved to face page 256. Also, Gardner does not mention
the projection of Julius (above).
Bound to Rise
A. K. Loring, 1873
A Boy's Fortune
Henry T. Coates & Co., 1898

The first edition has the 1898 date on the title page.

Gardner claims that two different frontispieces were used
(thereby creating two states of the first edition); Bennett
dismisses this claim.

In the first edition, the second page of book
advertisements at the front of the book lists: I. Julius; or,
The Street Boy Out West with no further titles listed in the
series, III. Risen From the Ranks; or, Harry Walton’s
Success with no further titles listed and only the present
title listed under the Bold and Brave Series. Later
editions announce further titles in this series and correct
“Bold and Brave” to “Brave and Bold.”

Gardner adds that on page 16 of the earliest printing, the
word “frankly” is misspelled “faankly.”
Brave and Bold
A. K. Loring, 1874
Charlie Codman's Cruise
A. K. Loring, 1866

The first edition has the 1867 date on the title page and a
pasted-in photograph as the frontispiece. The book was
copyrighted in 1866, but the title page date was advanced
one year as was customary for books issued late in the
year.

Bound in several cloth colors with no known priority
although Gardner claims that the earliest state was issued
in red cloth.
Chester Rand
Henry T. Coates & Co., 1903

The first edition has the 1903 date on the title page, three
illustrations and a single quotation mark in front of the
word “Ragged” and none following the word “Pluck” on the
title page. Later editions have only two illustrations and
correct the errors in the quotation marks on the title page
(Bennett).

Gardner adds that the word “expensive” is misspelled
“expensvie” on page 333. He mentions the missing
quotation mark after the word “Pluck” on the title page but
not the mistake regarding “Ragged.”
Dan, the Detective
G. W. Carleton & Co., 1884

The first edition has the MDCCCLXXXIV date on the title
page.

This is one of the rarest Alger first editions. The story is
better known by its reprint title: Dan, the Newsboy.

Several colors of cloth binding have been noted.
Dean Dunham (softcover)
United States Book Company, 1890

Number 32 from the Leather-Clad Series issued in paper
wrappers.

The first edition has the July 12, 1890 date on the cover.
Dean Dunham (hardcover)
American Publishers Corporation, 1894

The first hardcover edition was published by American
Publishers Corporation in 1891 in its Berkeley Series.

Several cloth colors noted with no known priority.
A Debt of Honor
A. L. Burt, Publisher, 1900

In the first edition, the publisher’s address in the rear book
advertisements must be “97-99-101 Reade Street.”

The title on the spine must be blind-stamped against a
gold panel and the name “Alger” below it in gold.

Several copies have been noted with either the first 10
pages (of 14) or last 10 pages of advertisements missing
(Bennett).
Digging for Gold
Porter & Coates, 1892

In the first edition, the present title is not listed among the
book advertisements at the rear of the book and the last
Edward Ellis title listed on page 8 will be Through Forest
and Fire (Bennett).

Gardner is silent on the above.
The Disagreeable Woman
G. W. Dillingham, Publisher, 1895

There was only one edition issued by this publisher.

This is the only book Alger wrote using the pseudonym
“Julian Starr.”
Do and Dare
Porter & Coates, 1884

There are no book advertisements in the first edition.

The first edition was issued in both brown and gold cloth
with no known priority.
The Erie Train Boy (softcover)
United States Book Company, 1890

Published in The Leather-Clad Tales series, the first
edition is dated May 31, 1890 on the cover.
The Erie Train Boy (hardcover)
American Publishers Corporation, 1894

The first hard cover edition is controversial.

American Publishers Corporation in 1890 in its Berkeley
Series. (According to Bennett). Several cloth colors noted
with no known priority.

H.M.Caldwell in 1900. (According to Gardner)
The Errand Boy (softcover)
A. L. Burt, Publisher, 1888

Volume 1, Number 14 of the Boys’ Home Library Series.

First edition, first issue published in October 1888 in paper
wrappers.

Publisher’s address must be 56 Beekman Street (New
York).

Advertisements on rear cover must show the first 14 titles
of the series in print with Nos. 15-16-17 ready, Nov. 1,
Dec. 1 and Jan. 1, respectively.

Several copies noted with no advertisements on rear cover
are later issues.
The Errand Boy (hardcover)
A. L. Burt, 1888

56 Beekman St., New York (publisher's address)

The first edition is identified by an ad for The Boys' Home
Series, listing 20 titles, of which this title is the 14th title in
the list. (Fez 1.20.14)

(Eastlack, Newsboy November-December 2013)

In the first edition, the next Alger title is announced on
page 318 as In a New World; or, Harry Vane in
Australia. Later editions change the subtitle to Among the
Gold-Fields of Australia.
Facing the World
Porter & Coates, 1893
Falling In With Fortune
The Mershon Company, 1900

Bennett states that the first edition shows only three titles
listed under the Flag of Freedom Series with Off for
Hawaii in the top position in the rear
advertisements. Later editions add additional titles.

Gardner states that there are no advertisements for Alger
titles at the rear of the book.

This is the second title of the 11 Stratemeyer completions.

Volume II from the Ragged Dick Series.

The advertisements in the front of the book will list Vol. III
(Mark, the Match Boy) in “May, 1869” and Vol. IV (Rough
and Ready) in “December, 1869.”

Bennett states that the first issue will not have type
damage in the word “By” on the title page, in the word
“Loring” on the copyright page, or in the number “109” on
that page.
Fame and Fortune
A. K. Loring, 1868
Finding A Fortune
The Penn Publishing Company, 1904

First edition must have MCMIV date on title page.

Penn Publishing monogram must be interlocking script at
foot of spine.
$500; or, Jacob Marlow's Secret (softcover)
United States Book Company, 1890

First edition contains May 10, 1890 date on the cover (in
wrappers).

Book advertisements in the front of the book list the first
22 numbers of this series only.

There is a single quotation mark in front of the word
"Dean" on the title page.
The $500 Check (hardcover)
United States Book Company, 1891

First hardcover edition issued one year after paper edition.

Earliest state has black strip at foot of spine covering the
name Porter & Coates.

Later states have "Lovell" printed in gold at foot of spine.

It is possible that Porter & Coates, who held the hard cover
copyright, printed the book in 1891 but did not put it in
distribution, which was subsequently done by United States
Book Company.
Forging Ahead
The Penn Publishing Company, 1903

The first edition has the MCMIII date on the title page and
the Penn Publishing monogram in interlocking script on the
spine.
Frank and Fearless
Henry T. Coates & Co., 1897

The first edition has the 1897 date on the title page and
contains no book advertisements at the rear of the book.
Frank Fowler, the Cash Boy (softcover)
A. L. Burt, Publisher, 1887

Volume 1, Number 4 of the Boys' Home Library Series.

First edition, first issue published in December 1887 in
paper wrappers.

Publisher's address must be 162 William Street (New
York).

Advertisements on rear cover must show Number 5 (Guy
Harris, The Runaway) projected for January 1st and
Number 6 (Ben Burton, The Slate Picker) projected for
February 1st (Bennett).

Gardner is silent on the above advertisements.

Several copies noted with no advertisements on rear cover
are later issues.
Frank Fowler, the Cash Boy (hardcover)
A. L. Burt, Publisher, 1887

162 William Street, New York (publisher's address).

The first edition is identified by 6 pages of ads for Useful
and Practical Books in the back of the book. (Fez 1.00.02)

(Eastlack, Newsboy November-December 2013)
Frank Hunter's Peril
Henry T. Coates & Co., 1896

There are no book advertisements in the first edition and
the title page is not dated.
Frank's Campaign
A. K. Loring, 1864

The first edition has the 1864 date on the title page and is
bound in smooth cloth with a blind-stamped border of
three lines and numerous parallel vertical lines. The
second edition is bound in dark brown, pebbled cloth and
states “Second Edition” on the title page.
From Canal Boy to President
John R. Anderson & Co., 1881

The earliest state of the first edition has pages 266 and
268 transposed with an erratum slip tipped on to page 267
indicating the mistake (Bennett and Gardner) (see image
below cover at left - click to enlarge).

Recent research by HAS members suggests that the
transposed edition may not be the earliest.

Bound in numerous cloth colors with no known priority.
From Farm Boy to Senator
J. S. Ogilvie & Co., 1882

The earliest state of the first edition contains floral
endpapers, list only “Part First of the Thorn Papers” in the
rear advertisements and has no type damage in the letter
“E” in the word “Judge” on the dedication page (Bennett).

Gardner is silent on the above.
From Farm to Fortune
Stitt Publishing Company, 1905
ABCDEF
|

The first edition has the 1905 date on the title page and
contains no book advertisements.

Later editions have advertisements inserted at the rear of
the book.

This is the eighth title of the 11 Stratemeyer completions.
GHIJKL
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MNOPQRS
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TUVWXYZ
Gran'ther Baldwin's Thanksgiving
A. K. Loring, 1875

There was only one printing of this title by Loring.

Several cloth colors noted with no known priority.
Hector's Inheritance
Porter & Coates, 1885

In the first edition, the final Alger title listed on page seven
of the rear book advertisements is the present title. Later
editions add the title Helping Himself(Bennett and
Gardner).

In addition, Gardner states that three titles from the Boy
Pioneer Series by Edward Ellis will be the last entry on
page eight in the advertisements.

The first edition was issued in both brown and gold cloth
with no known priority.
Helen Ford
A. K. Loring, 1866

The first edition will have the 1866 date on the title page
and will not carry any advertisements for Horatio Alger
books.

Later editions include a sunburst design in the center of
the front cover.

In the first edition, the table of contents is lacking and
there are no book advertisements at the rear of the book
(Bennett).

Gardner contends that there are no book advertisements
either but that the table of contents is present and the
letter “J” is damaged in the word “Justice” at the top of
page 193.

The first edition was issued in both brown and gold cloth
with no known priority.
Helping Himself
Porter & Coates, 1886
Herbert Carter's Legacy
A. K. Loring, 1875

Volume IV from the Second Luck and Pluck Series.

The advertisements in the front of the book will list under
the Second Tattered Tom Series, Vol. III (Sam’s Chance)
in “April, ‘76” with only the Roman numeral “IV” below
(Bennett and Gardner).

Gardner states that Jack’s Ward will indicate as being in
print.

In the first edition, the present title is the last title listed on
the copyright page (Bennett).

In addition to the above, Gardner states that Digging for
Gold is the last Alger title listed in the book advertisements
at the rear of the book.
In A New World
Porter & Coates, 1893
In Search of Treasure
A. L. Burt, Publisher, 1907

The first edition is pictured at left.

Bennett states that the first edition does not contain book
advertisements.

The first edition will indicate in the ads in the front of the
book no titles listed after Jack's Ward under the Brave
and Bold Series.

Under the Second Tattered Tom Series, The Young
Outlaw (No. II) will be listed followed by III and IV without
any titles announced.
Jack's Ward
A. K. Loring, 1875
Jed, the Poorhouse Boy
Henry T. Coates & Co., 1899

The first edition has the 1900 date on the title page and
contains no book advertisements.

Although the copyright notice is dated 1899, the book was
not published until early in 1900.
Jerry, the Backwoods Boy
The Mershon Company, 1904

In the first edition, Lost at Sea is listed at the top of the
book advertisements on the copyright page and the
publisher’s address in the rear advertisements must be
“156 Fifth Ave., New York, Rahway, N. J.” (Bennett).

Gardner is silent on the above.

This is the sixth title of the 11 Stratemeyer completions.
Joe's Luck (softcover)
A. L. Burt, Publisher, 1887

Volume 1, Number 1 of the Boys' Home Library Series.

First edition, first issue published in September 1887 in
paper wrappers.

Publisher's address must be 162 William Street (New York)

Advertisements on rear cover must show Number 2 (Julian
Mortimer) projected for October 1st and Number 3 (Adrift
in the Wilds) projected for November 1st.

Several copies noted with no advertisements on rear cover
are later issues.
Joe's Luck (hardcover)
A. L. Burt, 1887

162 William Street, New York (publisher's address)

The first edition is identified by 6 pages of ads for Useful
and Practical Books in the back of the book. (Fez 1.00.01)

(Eastlack, Newsboy November-December 2013)
Joe's Luck (hardcover)
A. L. Burt, 1887

Boy on a Horse format.

Not intended to be sold to the public.

Only three copies known to exist.

(Robert Kasper, personal communication)

In the first edition, there is no circle around the publisher's
name at the bottom of the spine and the present title is
the only Alger book listed in the rear book advertisements.

This is the ninth title of the 11 Stratemeyer completions.
Joe the Hotel Boy
Cupples & Leon, 1906
Julius
A. K. Loring, 1874

The first edition will show under the Second Tattered Tom
Series in the front book advertisements: II. The Young
Outlaw; A Story of the Street, - Oct., ‘74. and under the
Second Luck and Pluck Series, III. Up the Ladder; or,
Harry Walton’s Success, in Oct ’74 (no period following
“74”).
Lester's Luck
Henry T. Coates & Co., 1901

The first edition has the 1901 date on the title page and
contains no book advertisements.

Later editions have book advertisements inserted at the
rear of the book.
Life of Edwin Forrest (cloth bound)
J. B. Lippincott & Co., 1877

Issued in two volumes with the 1877 dated title page in
both volumes in the first edition.

It is generally accepted that Horatio Alger collaborated with
his cousin, William Rounseville Alger (for whom the book is
exclusively credited), with Horatio writing the biographical
chapters and William writing about the psychological and
historic aspects of the theater.
Life of Edwin Forrest (leather bound)
J. B. Lippincott & Co., 1877

Issued in two volumes with the 1877 dated title page in
both volumes in the first edition.

It is generally accepted that Horatio Alger collaborated with
his cousin, William Rounseville Alger (for whom the book is
exclusively credited), with Horatio writing the biographical
chapters and William writing about the psychological and
historic aspects of the theater.

A limited edition bound in three-quarter leather with
marbled boards was issued simultaneously with the cloth
binding. A copy in paper wraps has been noted also.
Lost at Sea
The Mershon Company, 1904

There are no book advertisements in the first
edition. Later editions contain book ads on the copyright
page or at the rear of the book (Bennett).

Gardner states that the first edition will show the present
title at the top of book advertisements on the copyright
page.

This is the fifth title of the 11 Stratemeyer completions.

In the first edition, the following titles are projected in the
advertisements in the front of the book: V. Ben, The
Luggage Boy. (In April, 1870) and VI. Rufus and Rose; or,
The Fortunes of Rough and Ready. (In December, 1870).

The present title is the only one listed under the Luck and
Pluck Series, with below, “Others in Preparation.”
Luck and Pluck
A. K. Loring, 1869
Luke Walton
Porter & Coates, 1889
ABCDEF
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
In the first edition, the last Alger title listed on page six of
the rear book advertisements is Bob Burton.

The first edition was issued in both brown and gold cloth
with no known priority.
GHIJKL
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MNOPQRS
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Making His Mark
The Penn Publishing Company, 1901

The first edition has the MCMI date on the title page.

Bennett states that the first edition contains 12 pages of
book advertisements in the rear without any Alger titles
listed.

Gardner states that two Alger titles (The Young
Boatman and The Odds Against Him) are listed in the rear
advertisements.
Mark Manning's Mission
A. L. Burt, Publisher, 1905

The first edition is pictured at left.

The second edition has a cover design of three circles
enclosing vignettes.
Mark Mason's Victory
A. L. Burt, Publisher, 1899

In the first edition, the publisher’s address in the rear book
advertisements must be “97-99-101 Reade Street.”

The title on the spine must be blind-stamped against a
gold panel and the name “Alger” below it in gold.
Mark Stanton (softcover)
United States Book Company, 1890

The first edition lists the publication date on the cover as
May 23, 890 (the "1" is missing) and pages 151-152-153
of the text are numbered on the opposite side of the page
(Bennett).

The first issue is No. 25 of the Leather-Clad Tales
Series published in paper wrappers.

Gardner mentions the cover date error but not the text
errors on pages 151-153.
Mark Stanton (hardcover)
Street & Smith, 1900

The first hardcover edition was published by Street &
Smith in 1900, part of itsBoys' Own Library series.

Although Bennett concludes “The first issue has gold
lettering on the spine. Later issues have red lettering on
the spine,” more recent research into early Street & Smith
printings of the Boys' Own Library show that solid-color
spine lettering preceded gold lettering. Thus, the first-state
Alger titles most likely have red spine lettering. (Gowen,
Newsboy September-October 2013).

Street & Smith also issued a softcover edition around the
same time as No. 78 of its Medal Library Series under
the altered title of Both Sides of the Continent; or, Mark
Stanton.
Mark the Match Boy
A. K. Loring, 1869

In the first edition, the only title projected is: IV. Rough
and Ready; or, Life Among the New York Newsboys (In
December).

The first state will list the name “Rockwell & Rollins,
Printers and Stereotypers” on the copyright page. Later
editions change this name to “Rockwell & Churchill” or
eliminate it altogether.
The Merchant's Crime (softcover)
F.M. Lupton, Publisher

First softcover edition appeared in F.M. Lupton's Leisure
Hour Library dated July 28, 1888, as seen to the left.

First softcover edition published under the title Ralph
Raymond's Heir was by Lupton in the Idle Hour
Series No. 11 paper issue published on March 30, 1892
(see listing below).

First hardcover edition published by F.M. Lupton as Ralph
Raymond's Heir in 1892 as part of the Stratford Edition
Series (see listing below)

(Sipes, Newsboy January-February 2010)
Ned Newton (softcover)
United States Book Company, 1890

First edition contains the May 17, 1890 date on the cover
(in wrappers).

Alger's pseudonym (Arthur Lee Putnam) was used in this
edition only for this title.
Ned Newton (hardcover)
American Publishers Corporation, 1894

Part of their Berkeley Series.

Earliest issue controversial; With Horatio Alger, Jr. byline
(Bennett) vs with Arthur Lee Putnam byline (Gardner)
Nelson the Newsboy
The Mershon Company, 1901

The first edition does not list the present title on the last
page of book advertisements at the rear of the book.

Under the Flag of Freedom Series on the third page of
rear advertisements,With Custer in the Black Hills must not
be listed.

This is the fourth title of the 11 Stratemeyer completions.
The New School Ma'am (softcover)
A. K. Loring, 1877

First edition issued in paper wrappers. The rear cover
contains book advertisements.

This title was later re-issued as A Fancy of
Hers in Munsey’s Magazine in March 1892.

This title was published anonymously.
A New York Boy (softcover)
United States Book Company, 1890

First edition contains June 28, 1890 date on the cover (in
wrappers).

Alger’s pseudonym (Arthur Lee Putnam) is used for this
edition.
A New York Boy (hardcover)
American Publishers Corporation, 1894

Number 30 of their Berkeley Series.

Alger’s pseudonym (Arthur Lee Putnam) is used for this
edition (Gardner).
Nothing To Do
James French & Co., 1857

This book was published anonymously in 1857.

Several colors and cloth designs have been noted with no
known priority.

This book should not be confused with a Wiley & Halsted
imprint with the identical title issued the same year.
Number 91 (softcover)
Frank A. Munsey, 1887

The first edition has the December, 1887 date on the cover
and title page.

Bennett states that the first page of book advertisements
at the rear of the book lists only the first four numbers
of Munsey’s Popular Series and the second page of book
advertisements carries an announcement that No. 6, Jack
Wheeler will be ready about January 1st.

Gardner is silent on all of the above.
Number 91 (hardcover)
John W. Lovell, 1889

The first hardcover issue was published by John W. Lovell
in the Rugby Edition.

The edition utilizes Alger’s “Arthur Lee Putnam”
pseudonym on title page and cover.
The Odds Against Him
The Penn Publishing Company, 1890

The first edition has the 1890 date on the title page and is
bound in green cloth.
Only an Irish Boy
Porter & Coates, 1894

The first edition will show Digging for Gold as the last Alger
title available andOn the Trail of the Moose last under the
listings by Edward Ellis.
Out for Business
The Mershon Company, 1900

The first title of the 11 Stratemeyer completions.

The first edition contains no book advertisements.

Gardner states that the first issue was published in brown
cloth (rather than the usual green). Bennett states that
first edition issued simultaneously in brown and green
cloth.
Paul Prescott's Charge
A. K. Loring, 1865

The first edition has the 1865 date on the title page and a
ruled line above the publisher’s name.

Bound in several cloth colors with no known priority.

In the first edition, the following titles are projected in the
advertisements in the front of the book: III. Phil, The
Fiddler; or, The Young Street Musician. (In April, 1872),
IV. Slow and Sure; or, From the Sidewalk to the Shop. (In
November, 1872) and IV. Strive and Succeed; or, The
Progress of Walter Conrad. (In October, 1872).
Paul the Peddler
A. K. Loring, 1871
Phil the Fiddler
A. K. Loring, 1872

In the first edition, the following titles are projected in the
advertisements in the front of the book: IV. Slow and
Sure; or, From the Sidewalk to the Shop.(In November,
1872) and IV. Strive and Succeed; or, The Progress of
Walter Conrad. (In October, 1872).
Ragged Dick (Bennett)
A. K. Loring, 1868

In the first edition, the present title is the only one
available under the Ragged Dick Series in the book
advertisements at the front of the book. Volume II (Fame
and Fortune) is projected “In December.”

Bennett states that the first issue contains three plain
border rules on the front cover instead of the usual
decorative blind-stamped borders found in later editions.
Ragged Dick (Gardner)
A. K. Loring, 1868

In the first edition, the present title is the only one
available under the Ragged Dick Series in the book
advertisements at the front of the book. Volume II (Fame
and Fortune) is projected “In December.”
Ralph Raymond's Heir (1st softcover under this title)
F. M. Lupton, 1892 (1888)

Lacking indication that the Frederick Gleason pamphlet
ever existed (see below), Gardner claims that
Lupton’s Idle Hour Series No. 11 paper issue published
on March 30, 1892, is the acknowledged first edition.

Bennett states that the first edition was published by
Frederick Gleason in itsPictorial Novelette Series in
1869 in “large pamphlet size.” Subsequent research by
society members have concluded that publication is
actually a grouping of four weekly issues of the story that
appeared between June 9 through July 10, 1869,
in Gleason’s Literary Companion, making this a bound
serialization, not a first edition.

The first complete appearance is considered the July 28,
1888 issue of F. M. Lupton’s Leisure Hour Library using
the subtitle from the original serialization,The Merchant’s
Crime, A Novel. This is an unabridged version of the
complete original serialization published independently
between its own covers (see separate listing under
Merchant's Crime).

(Sipes, Newsboy January-February 2010)
Ralph Raymond's Heir (hardcover)
F. M. Lupton, Publisher, 1892

The first hardcover edition was published by Lupton in
1892 as part of itsStratford Edition Series.

Several cloth covers noted with no known priority.

Lupton issued several other hardcover editions with various
cover designs.
Randy of the River
Chatterton-Peck Company, 1906

The first edition lists the present title as the final entry
under The Rise in Life Series at the front of the book.

This is the tenth title of the 11 Stratemeyer completions.
Risen From the Ranks
A. K. Loring, 1874

The first edition lists on the second page of book
advertisements at the front of the book: I. Julius, or the
Street Boy Out West as the only entry in that series, the
present title with no further titles announced in
the Second Luck and Pluck Series and I. Bold and
Brave; or, The Story of a Factory Boy as the only volume
listed in the Bold and Brave Series. Later editions correct
this entry toBrave and Bold Series.
Robert Coverdale's Struggle (softcover)
Street & Smith, Publishers, 1910

Number 555 from Street & Smith’s New Medal Library
Series issued on February 15, 1910 in paper wrappers.

The first edition lists on the fifth page of front book
advertisements, No. 548,Dick Merriwell’s Threat as the last
number in print. On the next page, Nos. 549 to 552 are
announced, “To Be Published in January,” Nos. 553-556,
“To Be Published in February,” and further titles are
announced in groups of four through 578 in “July.”

Gardner is silent on the above advertisements.
A Rolling Stone
Thompson & Thomas, 1902

The first edition will contain no type damage to the words
on the upper right side of page 43.

Later editions indicate type-wear damage to page 43.

Volume IV from the Ragged Dick Series.

The advertisements in the front of the book will list Vol. V
(Ben, the Luggage Boy) in “April, 1870” and Vol. VI (Rufus
and Rose) in “December, 1870” under the Ragged Dick
Series.

Only one title from the Luck and Pluck Series will be
listed as available at the bottom of the page.
Rough and Ready
A. K. Loring, 1869
Rufus and Rose
A. K. Loring, 1870

In the first edition, the following titles are projected in the
advertisements in the front of the book: III. Strong and
Steady; or, Paddle your own Canoe. (In October, 1871),
I. Tattered Tom; or, The Story of a Street Arab. (April,
1871) and II. Paul, the Peddler; or, The Adventures of a
Young Street Merchant. (In November, 1871).
Rupert's Ambition
Henry T. Coates & Co., 1899

First edition has 1899 date on title page.

Bennett claims first issue contains three illustrations; later
issues have two illustrations.

Gardner is silent on number of illustrations.
Sam's Chance
A. K. Loring, 1876

The first edition will show under the Second Tattered Tom
Series in the front book advertisements: IV. (In April,
1877) and under the Brave and Bold Series, III. Shifting
for Himself. (In October, 1876). Later editions will show
one or both titles as being in print (Bennett).

Gardner claims that under the Second Tattered Tom
Series, Sam’s Chance will be listed as already in print
with, below it, only the Roman numeral “IV” with no
indication of the next title. A later edition listed it as “IV.
1879.” Still later, “IV. The Telegraph Boy. In
1879.” The Brave and Bold Series will show three
volumes as being in print.
Seeking His Fortune
Loring, Publisher 1875

On the first page of book ads under the Second Tattered
Tom Series, "III." and "IV." are shown with no titles
listed.

The second page of book ads shows under the Second
Luck and Pluck Series"IV. Herbert Carter's Legacy; or,
the Inventor's Son, in October."

The first edition will show under the Second Tattered
Tom Series on the first page of front book
advertisements: IV. (In April, 1877) with no further
announcement of the next title. On page 356, Work and
Hope; or, Ben Bradford’s Motto is announced as the next
volume of the series. Later editions correct this entry
to Wait and Hope; or, Ben Bradford’s Motto (Bennett).

Gardner adds that the present title listed as No. III under
the Brave and Bold Series with no further titles
announced. Also, on page 15, the letter “u” in “upon” is
misprinted upside-down, the word “abundant” is misspelled
as “baundant” on page 337 and on page 343, the words
“an end” are joined forming “anend.”
Shifting for Himself
A. K. Loring, 1876
Silas Snobden's Office Boy
J. S. Ogilvie & Company, 1899

Issued by Ogilvie as No. 181 of its Sunset Series in
yellow paper covers.

There are no known copies of this issue.

Reprinted in hardcover by Doubleday & Company in 1973
(see listing under Modern First Editions).

In the first edition, the following titles are projected in the
advertisements in the front of the book: III. Strong and
Steady; or, Paddle your own Canoe. (In October, 1871),
I. Tattered Tom; or, The Story of a Street Arab. (April,
1871) and II. Paul, the Peddler; or, The Adventures of a
Young Street Merchant. (In November, 1871).

Gardner adds that type “he wanted to come,” at the
bottom of page 72 of the first edition will be in perfect
condition. It is slightly damaged in subsequent printings.

Bennett adds that there is a single quotation mark
after Mark, the Match Boy on the title page.

In the first edition, the following titles are projected in the
advertisements in the front of the book: I. Julius; or, The
Street Boy Out West, - in Nov., ’73, I.Try and Trust; or,
Sink or Swim
A. K. Loring, 1870
Slow and Sure
A. K. Loring, 1872
The Story of a Bound Boy, - in April ’73 and II. Live and
Learn; or, How Harry Walton Rose in the World, - in
October, ’73.

Gardner adds that the letter “C” in “ETC.” on the title page
must be perfect. All later printings examined show this
letter to be damaged.

In the first edition, the final Alger title listed on page six of
the rear book advertisements is The Young Circus Rider.

The first edition was issued in both brown and gold cloth
with no known priority.

Volume IV from the Luck and Pluck Series.

The advertisements in the front of the book will list under
various series, Vol. I (Julius) in “Nov., ’73,” Vol. I (Try and
Trust) in “April, ‘73” and Vol. II (Live and Learn) in
“October, ’73”.
The Store Boy
Porter & Coates, 1887
Strive and Succeed
A. K. Loring, 1872

Bennett claims that later issues contained advertisements
at the rear of the book. Gardner states that rear
advertisements appear only in the first printing.
Striving for Fortune (softcover)
Street & Smith, 1901

Issued as No. 138 in the Medal Library Series in
wrappers.

Bennett states that the first edition lists No. 140, The
Young Burglars, as the last title on the first page of book
advertisements at the front of the book. Another copy
indicates No. 133, The Young Yagers, as the last title
available.

Gardner is silent on the above.

Hardcover 1st edition issued as Walter Griffith, see listing
below.

In the first edition, the following titles are projected in the
advertisements in the front of the book: IV. Strive and
Strong and Steady
A. K. Loring, 1871
Succeed; or, The Progress of Walter Conrad. (In October,
1872), III. Phil, The Fiddler; or, The Young Street
Musician. (April, 1872).
Struggling Upward
Porter & Coates, 1890
ABCDEF
|

The first edition advertises only books by Harry
Castlemon. Later editions advertise books by other
authors (Bennett).

The first edition is identified by rough, blue-gray covers
(later editions were bound in a smooth, light gray
cloth. Also, the dark brown endpapers were abandoned
after the first issue and gray endpapers substituted
(Gardner).
GHIJKL
|
MNOPQRS
|
TUVWXYZ
Tattered Tom
A. K. Loring, 1871

The first edition will show under the Luck and Pluck
Series in the front book advertisements: III. Strong and
Steady; or, Paddle Your Own Canoe. (In October, 1871),
under the Tattered Tom Series, I. Tattered Tom; or, The
Story of a Street Arab. (April, 1871) and II. Paul, the
Peddler; or, The Adventures of a Young Street Merchant.
(In November, 1871.) (Bennett).

Gardner states that the title, Tattered Tom is shown as
available and not with a projected publishing date.
The Telegraph Boy
Loring, Publisher, 1879

On the first page of book ads under the Second Tattered
Tom Series, "IV." has no title listed.

There is no advertisement for books in the Pacific
Series (later editions announce this series).
Timothy Crump's Ward
Loring, Publisher, 1866

This is not the rarest Alger book, but it may be the most
sought-after.

The first edition is pictured at left.

This title was published anonymously.
Tom Brace (softcover)
Street & Smith, 1901

Issued as No. 122 in the Medal Library Series in
wrappers.

Bennett states that the first edition lists No. 125, The Plant
Hunters, as the last title on the first page of book
advertisements at the front of the book.

Gardner is silent on the above.
Tom Brace (hardcover)
Street & Smith, 1901

Issued as part of Street & Smith's Boys' Own
Library series.

Although Bennett concludes “The first issue has gold
lettering on the spine. Later issues have red lettering on
the spine,” more recent research into early Street & Smith
printings of the Boys' Own Library show that solid-color
spine lettering preceded gold lettering. Thus, the first-state
Alger titles most likely have red spine lettering. (Gowen,
Newsboy September-October 2013).
Tom Temple's Career (softcover)
A. L. Burt, 1888

Volume 1, Number 7 of the Boys' Home Library Series.

First edition, first issue published in March 1888 in paper
wrappers.

Publisher's address must be 162 William Street (New
York).

Advertisements on rear cover must show Number 8 (Tom,
The Ready) projected for April 1, Number 9 (The
Castaways) projected for May 1 and Number 10 (Captain
Kidd's Treasure) projected for June 1 (Bennett).

Gardner is silent on the above advertisements.

Several copies noted with no advertisements on rear cover
are later issues.
Tom Temple's Career (hardcover)
A. L. Burt, 1888

162 William St., New York (publisher's address)

The first edition is identified by an ad for the Boys' Home
Library listing 11 titles, of which this is the 7th title
listed. (Fez 1.11.07).

(Eastlack, Newsboy November-December 2013).
Tom Thatcher's Fortune (softcover)
A. L. Burt, Publisher, 1888

Volume 1, Number 11 of the Boys' Home Library Series.

First edition, first issue published in July 1888 in paper
wrappers.

Publisher's address must be 56 Beekman Street (New
York).

Advertisements on rear cover must show Nos. 11, 12 and
13 as being ready on July 1, August 1 and September 1,
respectively.

Several copies noted with no advertisements on rear cover
are later issues.
Tom Thatcher's Fortune (hardcover)
A. L. Burt, Publisher, 1888

56 Beekman St., New York (publisher's address)

The first edition is identified by an ad for the Boys' Home
Series listing 13 titles, of which this is the 11th title
listed. (Fez 1.13.11)

(Eastlack, Newsboy November-December 2013).
Tom Tracy (softcover)
Frank A. Munsey, 1888

No. 10 from Munsey’s Popular Series issued in paper
wrappers in May 1888.

Bennett states that the first edition lists only the first nine
numbers of the series in the book advertisements on the
inside rear cover.

Gardner is silent on the above advertisements.
Tom Tracy (hardcover)
John W. Lovell, Publisher, 1890

Issued in publisher's Rugby series.

Arthur Lee Putnam byline.

Note: Munsey's paper wrappers dated 1888.
Tom Turner's Legacy
A. L. Burt, Publisher, 1902

In the first edition, the present title is not listed in the book
advertisements at the rear of the book.

In addition to the above, Gardner states that the
publisher’s address in the rear advertisements must be
“52-58 Duane Street, New York.”
Tony the Hero
J. S. Ogilvie & Co., 1880

The first edition lists on the second page of book ads at the
rear of the book only one number of "Ninety-Nine Choice
Readings and Recitations" at a price of 10 cents (Bennett).

Gardner is silent on above advertisement.
The Train Boy
G. W. Carleton & Co., 1883

The first edition has the MDCCCLXXXIV date on the title
page and lists both the Carleton and Street & Smith names
on same. Later editions list only the Carleton names and
others list the publication date on two lines instead of one
(Bennett).

In the rear book advertisements the following titles will be
listed as “New:”Chateau D’Or, Madeline, True as Steel,
Infelice, A Wronged Wife, Under a Shadow, A Struggle for
a Ring, Lost, A Pearle-, Missy and Blossom Bud(Bennett).

Gardner is silent on all of the above.

In the first edition, the following titles are projected in the
advertisements in the front of the book: I. Julius; or, The
Street Boy Out West, -in Nov., '73, I.Try and Trust; or, The
Story of a Bound Boy, -in May, '73 and II. Live and Learn;
or, How Harry Walton Rose in the World, -in October, '73.

On page 355, the next volume in the series must be listed
as Live and learn; or, How Harry Walton Rose in the World.
Try and Trust
A. K. Loring, 1873
Victor Vane
Porter & Coates, 1894

In the first edition there will be no advertisements for
books by Horatio Alger at the rear of the book.

The interlocking “P&C” monogram must appear at the foot
of the spine.

The first edition has under the Second Tattered Tom
Series on the first page of advertisements at the front of
the book only the Roman numeral, “IV.” with no title
announced. There must be no listing of any titles from
the Pacific Series and the type must be broken in the
number “159” at the top of that page (Gardner).

There are no clues to the first edition in the book
advertisements as the identical two pages of ads were also
inserted into several later editions. An examination of
type-wear found in later editions is as follows: page 38,
line 20, “and”; page 159, page number; page 243, line 1,
“S” in “Sam”, line 16, “y” in “satisfactory”, line 20, “d” in
“inquired”; page 276, line 19, “k” in “kind”; and, page 287,
page number. The type is perfect in all of the foregoing in
Wait and Hope
A. K. Loring, 1877
the earliest state of the first edition. Also, the first edition
has an incorrectly placed illustration facing page 123 that
was corrected to face page 262 in later editions (Bennett).
Wait and Win
A. L. Burt, 1908

There are no book advertisements in the first edition.
Walter Griffith (hardcover)
Street & Smith, 1902

Issued as part of Street & Smith's Boys' Own
Library series.

Title page: Striving For Fortune; or, Walter Griffith's Trials
and Successes.

Although Bennett concludes “The first issue has gold
lettering on the spine. Later issues have red lettering on
the spine,” more recent research into early Street & Smith
printings of the Boys' Own Library show that solid-color
spine lettering preceded gold lettering. Thus, the first-state
Alger titles most likely have red spine lettering. (Gowen,
Newsboy September-October 2013).

True first edition is softcover, issued as Striving for
Fortune by Street and Smith in 1901 in their Medal
Library (No. 138), (see separate listing above)
Walter Sherwood's Probation
Henry T. Coates & Co., 1897

The first edition has the 1897 date on the title page and
contains no book advertisements at the rear of the book.
The Western Boy
G. W. Carleton & Co., 1878

The first edition is pictured at the left.

There is no evidence that this book was reissued by
Carleton.

This book is very rare and very strange. It is published by
Carleton in collaboration with Street & Smith, who claim
the copyright, but the spine is stamped "American News
Co". Numerous errors and poor editing can be found
throughout.
The World Before Him
The Penn Publishing Company, 1902

The first edition has the MCMII date on the title page and
indicates on the copyright page “Published June 27, 1902”
(Bennett).

The first edition has the MCMII date on the title page and
indicates on the copyright page “Published 1902”
(Gardner).
The Young Acrobat (softcover)
Frank A. Munsey, 1888

The first edition has the March, 1888 date on the cover and
the 1888 date on the title page (Bennett).

The first edition announces on page 208, No. 9 of this
series (Luke Bennett's Hide Out).

The present title is the final listing in the book ads on the
inside rear cover (Bennett).

Gardner is silent on all of the above.
The Young Acrobat (hardcover)
Frank Lovell, 1889

The first hardcover issue was published by Frank Lovell in
the Rugby Edition.

The first state utilizes Alger's "Arthur Lee Putnam"
pseudonym on title page and cover.

The second state reverts back to the Alger name (as seen
at left).
The Young Adventurer
A. K. Loring, 1878

The first edition has under the Second Tattered Tom
Series on the third page of advertisements at the front of
the book only the Roman numeral, “IV.” with no title
announced. On the last page of text, the next title in the
series is announced as The Young Pioneer; or, Tom Nelson
in California (Bennett).

The first edition must show no listing of any titles from
the Pacific Series in the book advertisements. The
frontispiece must show Tom Nelson and his father speaking
with Squire Hudson. In later editions, this illustration has
been moved to face page 50 and replaced with the
illustration facing page 286 in the first edition (Gardner).
The Young Bank Messenger
Henry T. Coates & Co., 1898

The first edition has the 1898 date on the title page.

Gardner claims that the last Alger title listed in the rear
advertisements isDigging For Gold; Bennett dismisses this
claim.
The Young Boatman
The Penn Publishing Company, 1892

First edition has 1892 date on title page and contains no
book advertisements (Bennett).

Gardner states that the first issue contains four pages of
book advertisements including one for The Odds Against
Him on verso of page 369.
The Young Book Agent
Stitt Publishing Company, 1905

The first edition has the 1905 date on the title page and
contains no book advertisements.

Stitt must appear at the foot of the spine.

This is the seventh title of the 11 Stratemeyer completions.
Young Captain Jack
The Mershon Company, 1901

Bennett states that the first edition contains no book
advertisements.

Gardner states that the first edition lists Nelson the
Newsboy at the top of the listing of books on the copyright
page and that there are no Alger book advertisements
following the last page of text.

This is the third title of the 11 Stratemeyer completions.
The Young Circus Rider
Porter & Coates, 1883

The first edition contains no book advertisements
(Bennett).

Gardner contends that there are eight pages of book
advertisements at the rear of the book and that the
running heads state “The Star of the Circus.”

The first edition was issued in both brown and gold cloth
with no known priority.

Volume 3 from the Pacific Series and final title issued by
Loring.

Only the first two titles of the Pacific Series are listed in the
advertisements in the front on the book.

Later issues include this title in the advertisements.
The Young Explorer
A. K. Loring, 1880
The Young Miner
A. K. Loring, 1879

The first edition contains no listing of titles from
the Pacific Series in the book advertisements at the front
of the book.
The Young Musician
The Penn Publishing Company, 1906

The first edition has the MCMVI date on the title page and
contains no book advertisements (Bennett).

Gardner states additionally that the publisher's monogram
at the spine foot must show two "P's" back-to-back with
the "Co" superimposed. However, any copy with the
Bennett points will also have the back-to-back "P's" on the
spine.
The Young Outlaw
A. K. Loring, 1875

Volume II from the Second Tattered Tom Series.

The first edition will include a full-page advertisement
for Seeking His Fortune, and Other Dialogues.

The advertisements in the front of the book under the
Second Tattered Tom Series will list Vol. III and IV with
no titles or projected publishing dates.

Under the Second Luck and Pluck Series, Vol. IV
(Herbert Carter’s Legacy) will be listed “In October”
(Bennett only).

Under the Brave and Bold Series, the second title will be
listed as “II. ________, in October, 1875” (Bennett and
Gardner).
The Young Salesman
Henry T. Coates & Co., 1896

There are no book advertisements in the first edition and
the title page is not dated.