In publishing Alger said that it is in all essential points a true history, the particulars of the story having been communicated to him by Ben himself. In particular, the circumstances surrounding the boy's running away from home and adopting the life of a street boy, are in strict accordance with Ben's own statement. Included in this Illustrated Edition of the 1870 version of "Ben, the Luggage Boy" are all five original illustrations, rejuvenated, and 10 additional, illustrations of New York City are unique to this edition of the book.