On Saturday, April 2 many of us had the distinct pleasure of hearing Pulitzer-prize-winning author John Matteson speak at the Colonial Inn in Concord for the Friends of Sleepy Hollow’s annual breakfast. His talk was titled “How Nurse Alcott Earned Her Star: The Author of Little Women and the Civil War.” He was referring to …
Louisa May Alcott was not the only Alcott working off sexual energy
From Women and Health in America (first edition) there is this intriguing essay titled "What Ought to Be and What Was: Women’s Sexuality in the Nineteenth Century" by Carl N. Degler. Quoting Dr Charles Taylor, 1882— “It is not a matter of indifference whether a woman live a single or a married life … I …
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“A thousand kisses–I love you with my whole soul”: Relations between women in the 19th century, as reflected in Little Women
This comment from Diana regarding a previous post prompted a discussion on whether or not Louisa May Alcott was gay: “What is your opinion of the evidence that she may have had some suppressed passion, such as crushes, on girls? Remember she said in an interview that she had been in love with so many …
Continuing in the same vein … where is Laddie?
Wow, what a great discussion on the last post! I am preparing one as we speak about female friendships in Louisa's time. There is a wonderful essay I've been studying in Women and Health in America and will get a post up later this week. In the meantime, one of our industrious readers thinks she …
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Where did Louisa May Alcott’s sexual energy go? And what fueled it?
Julian Hawthorne once speculated about Louisa May Alcott: “Did she ever have a love affair? We never knew; yet how could such a nature so imaginative, romantic, and passionate escape it?” Choosing the life of a spinster Louisa made the conscious decision to remain single, preferring to “paddle my own canoe.” Much has been made …
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Fiction or non-fiction? How should I tell the story of Lizzie?
Note: Although I had promised a series of posts on women's health in the nineteenth century, I need to postpone those posts until I clear up a problem with citing an important source. Stay tuned! In the meantime, I thought I would share this with you. * * * * * * * * * …
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An announcement followed by a discovery
As you can see from the teasers I've been posting lately, there is a lot coming down the road! Much of it is coming from an announcement I'd like to make. The announcement Now that the major work for my two books is behind me, I am dedicating my efforts towards my book on Elizabeth …
Call for papers: Summer Conversational Series 2016 at Orchard House
From Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House: We are currently accepting proposals for our July 2016 Summer Conversational Series and Teacher Institute, Finding Beauty in the Humblest Things: Louisa May Alcott’s Literary Vision. Deadline for submission is February 15. Please include, with your one-page proposal, your title and a brief bio, and submit to ladams@louisamayalcott.org and …
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Coming attractions for 2016
Teasers for the new year ... coming soon. 🙂 Stay tuned! Are you passionate about Louisa May Alcott too? Subscribe to the email list and never miss a post! Keep up with news and free giveaways on Susan's books, Louisa May Alcott: Illuminated by The Message, and River of Grace! Facebook Louisa May …
Christmas greetings to you in the spirit of Louisa May Alcott
Remembering the Spirit of Christmas from Little Men: "Were they poor children?" asked Nat, wistfully. "Yes, I think so; you see some haven't got hardly any clothes on, and the mothers don't look like rich ladies. He liked poor people, and was very good to them. He made them well, and helped them, and told …
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Louisa May Alcott is My Passion 