While researching my biography on Elizabeth Alcott, I did a very careful re-read of Little Women using Daniel Shealy's excellent annotated edition. In the course of my reading I found many interesting little details. One of them involved the poem in Chapter 46 which brought Professor Bhaer to Jo's side. Called "In the Garret," a …
Three-part series on Bronson Alcott at Fruitlands Museum: genius or crackpot?
Last Wednesday I attended the first of three lectures on Bronson Alcott at the Fruitlands Museum in Harvard, MA, presented by Helen Batchelder, a local scholar. Fruitlands in the dark I have never been to Fruitlands before in the dark and it was disconcerting to see the lights over the mountains, reminding me it was …
Continue reading "Three-part series on Bronson Alcott at Fruitlands Museum: genius or crackpot?"
Happy Birthday Bronson and Louisa! Not a day over 217 and 184 ;-)
NOTE: I just found out my publisher, ACTA, is giving away 15 free copies of Louisa May Alcott Illuminated by The Message in honor of our favorite author's birthday. Go here http://actapublications.com/louisa-may-alcott-illuminated-by-the-message/ and type in code HAPPYBIRTHDAY at checkout. Even if you have your own copy, order one as a gift for friend! * * …
Continue reading "Happy Birthday Bronson and Louisa! Not a day over 217 and 184 ;-)"
A blunt, controversial psychological study of Miss Alcott — Katharine Anthony’s 1937 biography
The 1930s was an interesting time in Alcott scholarship. The year 1932 marked the one hundredth year of Louisa’s birth. 1938 not only marked the 50th anniversary of Louisa and Bronson’s death but also the 70th anniversary of the publication of Little Women. Thus in 1937, two important biographies were released – Odell Shepherd’s Pedlar’s …
Current most popular posts
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 …
“Warmth and wisdom here for everyone who opens it”–Review of River of Grace by Gabrielle Donnelly
Gabrielle Donnelly, author of The Little Women Letters, was kind enough to review an advance copy of my River of Grace: You don't have to be Catholic to love this book. There is warmth and wisdom here for everyone who opens it, whether they are questioning their spiritual faith, struggling with personal loss, attempting to …
Don’t miss the special exhibit of rare artifacts at Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House
On Thursday I toured Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House. I was anxious to see the artifacts pictured in The Annotated Little Women, edited by John Matteson and took a vacation day to see them as November can get swallowed up in holiday preparations. If you live anywhere near Concord and can get to this exhibit, …
Fun, surprises and inspiration at John Matteson’s book signing of The Annotated Little Women
This past Sunday, November 8, a group of Alcott enthusiasts had the distinct pleasure of attending a book signing and reading with John Matteson, the editor of The Annotated Little Women at The Concord Bookstore. Surprise! As he was about to speak, we were greeted with a surprise guest, "Louisa" (aka Jan Turnquist) herself! She …
Unearthing some golden nuggets from the Annotated Little Women edited by John Matteson
I could not leave this book without revealing a few of John Matteson’s wonderful insights into Little Women and Louisa May Alcott. I will begin with the introduction, “Little Pilgrims.” Reflecting real life “Little Women retains its importance in part because it recognizes that many of our most potent enemies lie within us and that life is far …
The Annotated Little Women edited by John Matteson is a treasure
Just when you think there can't be anything more revealed about the Alcotts, something new and wonderful comes our way. A treasure chest This rich and gorgeous volume of Little Women is filled with treasures that delight any fan of the March family from the casual reader to the Alcott wonk (like me). John Matteson …
Continue reading "The Annotated Little Women edited by John Matteson is a treasure"
Louisa May Alcott is My Passion 