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.
Titled The Forgotten Alcott Essays on the Artistic Legacy and Literary Life of May Alcott Nieriker, This book is truly a labor of love and I am so grateful to our distinguished editors, Lauren Hehmyer and Azelina Flint for all of their hard work in bringing this book to life. The book is available through …
Continue reading "It’s out! The first academic study of May Alcott Nieriker is now available."
Eve LaPlante’s ancestral link with the Alcotts extends to readers of Marmee and Louisa: The Untold Story of Louisa May Alcott and Her Mother a unique and intimate connection to this family. In the introduction, she mentions a trunk in her attic, passed down by an aunt. Although it and other treasures have been in …
Continue reading "“Marmee and Louisa” book discussion: Introduction – why Abba Alcott?"
Anna Alcott Pratt was one of the better writers in the family. Fluid, thoughtful and precise, her letters and journals provide valuable insight into Alcott family life. I have often referred to her as the family secretary since she presents each family member just as they are with no commentary on her part. The details …
Continue reading "In her own words: Inside the head and heart of Anna Alcott Pratt, newlywed"
I am pleased to present this guest post by Elizabeth Hilprecht, a regular reader whose insightful comments you have most likely read. We have been having a wonderful email chat back and forth about Daniel Shealy's Little Women Abroad and I asked her if she would share some of the wonderful stories taken from letters …
Check out this find that I stumbled upon today; apparently the Houghton Library is beginning to make certain family papers available for viewing. I have always maintained that Anna Alcott Pratt was the family secretary--she was a good writer and reported clearly, accurately and with great detail all that went on within the family. I …
A rare look at Louisa May Alcott’s life as an invalid and a patient What would you like to know about the woman behind Beth March? “Poppy’s Pranks” reveals the childhood of Louisa May Alcott Comparing the March sisters with their real life counterparts Major acquisition by the Concord Library of Louisa May Alcott working …
I visited the Houghton Library in mid July and was greeted with the most wonderful surprise: Houghton is now granting permission to post the actual handwritten letters from the Alcott family! I can't tell you how excited I am to be able to share these letters with you! I have photographed probably over a hundred …
Warning: this is a long post but I believe, well worth the time. I was so fascinated when I first heard the presentation at the Summer Conversational Series that I opted not to take notes and just enjoy it!) At the recent Summer Conversational Series, Kristi Marti (tour guide de force; she has been a …
Following up on my last post on Abigail Alcott, I finished transcribing yet another letter from her to Bronson dated January 4, 1858. Looking for a reply Lizzie is clearly getting worse, her days winding down until her death on March 14. Abba was her primary caregiver, a crushing responsibility in and of itself. But …
Continue reading "Abigail May Alcott’s love was her strength"
Slowly but surely I am getting through Abba’s letters in relation to my research on Lizzie Alcott. These letters cover a period from 1853 to 1858. Abba’s handwriting is difficult; it appears she often wrote in haste. Her eyesight was poor so it’s amazing she could write letters at all considering she was writing either …
Continue reading "Revealing the real Abigail Alcott to the world must include Bronson"
Louisa May Alcott is My Passion 