Jo’s Boys is tinged with sadness. And wistfulness. Louisa worked on Jo’s Boys for seven years beginning in 1879, the year her youngest sister May died six weeks after bearing her daughter Lulu. Abba, known as “Marmee” had died in 1877. Laurie and Amy’s idyllic life Chapter Two, “Parnassus” has us visiting the palatial home …
Concord in Autumn: walking the path Louisa walked
Concord, home to Louisa May Alcott. I have been a student of Louisa on and off, for most of my life. Back in August of 2010 I decided to commit myself to study and share my reflections with you. I have so enjoyed all the book discussions and your wonderful comments about our favorite author. …
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My 3 days with Louisa (conclusion): Windows into the past, and a lasting memento
When I requested Lizzie’s diary at Houghton Library, I received a thick, bound volume full of many treasures. Some of those treasures included Anna’s childhood diaries. Anna is an engaging writer While Lizzie’s writings read more like lists, Anna’s read like little stories. Anna was very faithful about keeping her journal and lamented if she …
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Louisa May Alcott’s summer retreat
A trip to a warehouse bookstore in the middle of nowhere produced a great find! I had just about given up the hope of finding something interesting until this book caught my eye: Nonquitt A Summer Album, 1872-1985, edited by Anne M. Lyell. What is so significant about Nonquitt? This is where Louisa May Alcott …
Fleshing out Anna Alcott Pratt
Friends and biographers of Anna Alcott Pratt are so busy singing her praises as a loving and selfless daughter, wife and mother that is was hard to find more substantive information. That is, until I came across Little Women Letters from the House of Alcott. Co-authors Jessie Bonstelle and Marian deForest offered journal entries from …
Meet the real Meg March
Ever wonder about the woman who inspired the character of Meg March? About Meg In Little Women, Meg is the oldest of the March sisters and in all respects, the most mainstream member of the family. She is pretty, dutiful and virtuous, almost old for her age. Meg’s major flaw is her yearning for material …
Intimate letters
Well, I haven't finished it yet but I wanted to share the second anecdotal volume I got from the Worcester Public Library, Little Women Letters from the House of Alcott by Jessie Bonstelle and Marian De Forest, published in 1914. Origin of the book - inspired by Jo Both women felt compelled to compile this …
Getting to know the Alcotts through neighbors and friends
Between my trip to the Worcester library and the new Nook, I have been buried! Tons of reading all at once (which means tons of notetaking, and tons of fun!). As I come up for air, I wanted to share with you some new rather old books I found. A treasure trove from the library …
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A sweet letter to young fans of Little Women from “Meg”
I came across this very sweet letter from Anna Alcott Pratt to some young admirers of Louisa after she had written Little Women. It's very revealing as to how she felt about her sisters, and herself. To me she seems hard on herself but most people don't think they are as good as their family …
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An Artist without the Temperament: How Rare!
In reading May's accounts of her travels and adventures, and hearing how other family members saw her, it occurs to me that May Alcott Nieriker is the first artist I've ever 'met' that didn't have the artist temperament. How do I know? I should know, I've been 'blessed' with one. 🙂 My art teacher in …
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Louisa May Alcott is My Passion 