The last century had Horatio Alger (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horatio_Alger,_Jr. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horatio_Alger,_Jr.): "Many of Alger's works ha

The last century had Horatio Alger (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horatio_Alger,_Jr. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horatio_Alger,_Jr.): "Many of Alger's works have been described as rags to riches stories, illustrating how down-and-out boys might be able to achieve the American Dream of wealth and success through hard work, courage, determination, and concern for others. This widely held view involves Alger's characters achieving extreme wealth and the subsequent remediation of their "old ghosts." Alger is noted as a significant figure in the history of American cultural and social ideals."