Dick Hamilton's Cadet Days; Or, the Handicap of a Millionaire's Son

Dick Hamilton's Cadet Days was published in 1913 as the second installment in the Dick Hamilton series, written by Howard Roger Garis under the house pseudonym Howard R. Garis. The series was produced by the Stratemeyer Syndicate, an organization founded by Edward Stratemeyer that revolutionized juvenile literature through its efficient, formulaic production methods and collaborative writing process. These books targeted adolescent boys during a period when rags-to-riches narratives and tales of youthful self-reliance were staples of American popular fiction.

The character of Dick Hamilton was designed to reflect the tensions of the era, specifically the intersection of immense wealth and personal integrity. Unlike many of his contemporaries who struggled with poverty, Dick is a millionaire's son who must navigate the social and moral hurdles of his status, particularly in the competitive environment of a military academy. The series was designed to be accessible and engaging, following the syndicate’s successful template of fast-paced action and moral instruction, which garnered consistent popularity among young readers of the early 20th century.