Horatio Alger Jr. was a prolific 19th-century American author of boy's adventure stories whose heroes strive to succeed through hard work, determination, courage, and honesty. "From Canal Boy to President; Or, the Boyhood and Manhood" is a novel first published in 1881. The story represents the account of the boyhood and manhood of James A Garfield. Author uses his life as an example of honesty, cheerfulness, virtue, thrift, and hard work that are rewarded with success. Together with other Alger's novels, "From Canal Boy to President" intended to instill the principle of Strive and Succeed, Personal Growth and Achievement to attain the American dream. Horatio Alger Jr. inspired countless young people around the world in the 19th century and remains popular nowadays, so you will undoubtedly derive pleasure, reading his novels!