That Printer of Udell's

The novel that inspired a young Ronald Reagan—and left him with “an abiding belief in the triumph of good over evil.”

“I found a role model in that traveling printer whom Harold Bell Wright had brought to life. He set me on a course I’ve tried to follow even unto this day. I shall always be grateful.” —Ronald Reagan, in a letter to Harold B. Wright’s daughter-in-law in 1984

After reading this book at age eleven, Ronald Reagan experienced its lasting impact on his life, and it shaped his own moral sense. He identified with the central character, Dick Falkner, whose childhood was one of poverty and abuse from an alcoholic father. Recognizing his life for what it was, he ran away from his home, but he could not run away from all of his problems. Sixteen years later, he found himself hungry of body and empty of spirit in a small Midwestern town.
Eventually, he is taken in by George Udell, a local printer and a kind-hearted man. George Udell gives the young man a job, and something more important: spiritual support. Through hard work and Christian morals, the man who becomes known as “that printer of Udell’s” rises above his past to a new life with God, doing what he can to change the lives of the townspeople.

“[A] thoroughly good novel.” —The Boston Globe

“This is a book that will appeal to both men and women. It should have a place in church libraries.” —Church and Synagogue Library Association

“Many of Reagan’s accomplishments, as well as his outlook on life, can be traced back to that dog-eared copy of That Printer of Udell’s.” —John Fund, The Wall Street Journal columnist, from his foreword