Louisa May Alcott is My Passion
Begun in 2010, this blog offers analysis and reflection by Susan Bailey on the life, works and legacy of Louisa May Alcott and her family. Susan is an active member and supporter of the Louisa May Alcott Society, the Fruitlands Museum and Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House.
In response to a reader's question about line drawings in an older version of Little Women, Harriet Reisen suggested that the drawings of Frank Thayer Merrill were perhaps the ones she was thinking of . I found 3 online (2 suggested by Harriet) and each came from an interesting article so I'm posting the links …
Continue reading "Black and white line drawings in the 1880 version of Little Women"
Christmas in my office is a lot of fun (I work for an independent Real Estate firm, Rutledge Properties, doing their marketing). We are right in downtown Wellesley, Massachusetts with a lovely storefront, all decorated with a Christmas village of gingerbread houses made by children of the brokers, plus a real antique train set that …
I am so glad I went on that buying spree a few months ago for books by and about Louisa because now as I plough through Susan Cheever's book, I actually have at my fingertips the vast majority of sources and stories she mentions. Chapter 4 talks in part about Louisa's foray into being a …
Continue reading "“How I Went Out to Service” – Louisa May Alcott’s humiliation"
I just finished the section in Louisa May Alcott A Personal Biography by Susan Cheever about the 3-1/2 years the Alcott Family spent at Hillside (must make a point of touring Hillside, now known as the Wayside, next summer). Cheever spent a couple of pages on Thoreau and how Louisa felt about him and it …
Continue reading "From Hillside to Thoreau to Irish Immigrants"
As promised, and in honor of Louisa and Bronson's impending birthdays (November 29), I am giving away a free DVD of the acclaimed documentary, Louisa May Alcott The Woman Behind Little Women thanks to the generosity of Nancy Porter and Harriet Reisen. I've seen this documentary a few times and it is just wonderful seeing …
Continue reading "DVD Giveaway Contest – Win by writing about your favorite Little Women character"
Chapter 38 of Little Women, "On the Shelf" again showed me what a keen observer Louisa was. She never married nor bore any children yet her description of Meg and John's adjustment to parenthood was dead on. I listened to the audio book with my mouth open just about the whole time, in awe at …
Continue reading "Motherhood, Marriage, and Keen Observations"
At least that's my take on Professor Bhaer. And what a sweetheart she's created! Kind, gentle, a lover of children . . . an intellectual who can challenge her mind and create stimulating conversation . . . a confidant . . . someone with the courage to be virtuous and defend it . . . …
Continue reading "Louisa creates the perfect man for Jo (and herself?)"
It's become obvious to me that I need to better explore the back story of Little Women in order to fully appreciate it (and to be able to comment on it intelligently!). Plus, your comments keep me on my toes as you know so much more than I do! I found this article yesterday on …
The other day I was trying to find the chapter in Little Women where Jo shares with Marmee her fears about her quick temper and couldn't find it. No wonder! Yesterday I listened to chapters 7 and 8 from the audio book and found out that "Jo Meets Apollyon" was what I was looking for. …
Ever wanted to read Little Women but you're short on time? Here's a free audio book you can download, found at http://librivox.org/little-women-by-louisa-may-alcott/ You can also subscribe to it on iTunes to play on your iPod. Just search for "Little Women" and you'll find it under Podcasts. I'm definitely a better listener than reader, wish all …
Louisa May Alcott is My Passion 