A Boy's Voyage Round the World (eBook)

Samuel Smiles (1812-1904) was a Scottish author and reformer, renowned for his promotion of self-help and individual responsibility, a theme that crystallized in his most famous work, 'Self-Help; with Illustrations of Character and Conduct' (1859). A versatile writer and avid proponent of Victorian values, Smiles wrote extensively on themes of industriousness, frugality, and perseverance. Starting his career as a doctor, he moved quickly into journalism and politics, advocating for political reform and the temperance movement, as well as aiding in the promotion of popular education. Smiles was a prolific author; among his lesser-known yet insightful works is 'A Boy's Voyage Round the World' which offers a narrative of a young man's global travels, epitomizing the Victorian spirit of adventure and learning. His literary style can often be characterized by its narrative accessibility, moral underpinnings, and didactic intent, aimed at inspiring readers to be proactive in their personal development and citizenship. While critics have sometimes dismissed his writings as overly simplistic or moralistic, Smiles's impact on self-improvement literature is undeniable, and his works continue to be referenced in discussions on personal and societal ethics in the modern era.