“Love your duty”

Continuing on with Marmee, the Mother of Little Women*by Sandford Meddick Salyer: Louisa bound to duty I think everyone can agree that Louisa May Alcott was a duty-bound woman. Duty motivated and justified her need to write for money (molding her into the professional that she was known and respected for). Duty bound her to …

We have a winner!

Thanks to everyone for participating in the latest giveaway on the Louisa May Alcott is My Passion blog - a print of May Alcott's painting of an owl, something she painted in Louisa's room directly over the fireplace. And the winner is? Jillian! Congratulations to our winner! A haven for Alcott enthusiasts Thanks so much …

Louisa May Alcott part of study on women authors and domesticity

I found a wonderful article about a book featuring Louisa May Alcott and 3 other women authors in a study on American women authors' domesticity. Here is an excerpt from the article - the link is at the end of the excerpt so you can read the whole article: Newswise — Brooklyn, NY -- The …

The core of Louisa May Alcott’s feminism explains her timelessness

After writing yesterday's post on Polly's modern sensibilities, I thought about what Louisa May Alcott's core belief was which motivated her feminism, and why she was so effective in imparting it. Autonomy My conclusion? Louisa's feminism was based on autonomy - the right of every woman to be autonomous,  the freedom for each woman to …

Was the “Old-Fashioned Girl” actually modern?

It's interesting how the supposedly old-fashioned Polly is actually more modern than the sophisticated Fanny. That's if you think in 21st century terms. In the Shaw household, the acquisition of wealth and keeping up with fashion are both considered "sophisticated" and desirable, whereas purposefulness and little kindnesses are considered "old-fashioned." Yet, as Louisa May Alcott …

How well do you know Louisa May Alcott? Take the challenge!

The Christian Science Monitor has posted a 10-question quiz - test your Louisa knowledge and leave a comment as to how you did. I'll let you know how I did after I hear from you! Take the quiz.

Here’s a fun re-enactment of Louisa May Alcott by actress Marianne Donnelly

Marianne Donnelly recently left a comment on this blog referring readers to this video. She gave me permission to post it here. “Beyond Little Women” celebrated Louisa in this living history performance at Brownell Library, Essex Junction VT. Marianne is available for national bookings with references available. You can contact her at 831-454-6333 or email …

See the hospital where Louisa May Alcott served during the Civil War

I found this article today which includes a picture of the hospital where Louisa served during the Civil War, plus a photo of the first edition of Hospital Sketches. The diary which the author refers to can be downloaded for free on Google Books. The author is Kevin Konrad, a graduate from the Richard Stockton …

Louisa May Alcott’s brand of feminism: final thoughts on “Moods,” thanks to Sarah Elbert

I finally finished reading Moods a few weeks ago but just couldn't comment on it. After reading both the 1864 and 1882 versions, I concluded that the book left me flat. The characters felt rather two-dimensional. Both versions ended differently and each ending seemed convoluted. It left me feeling the way I did after reading …

Take a tour of the final resting place of the Alcotts

There's a terrific article on the Concord Patch written by a licensed Concord tour guide, Harry Beyer. He takes you on a tour of the Alcott family plot at Sleepy Hollow cemetery. Here's a teaser from the article: Louisa May was an active abolitionist, helping to shelter runaway slaves on the Underground Railroad. She was also an early …