Best Selling Books by Louisa May Alcott

Polly''s friendship with the wealthy Shaws of Boston helps them to build a new life and teaches her the truth about the relationship between happiness and riches.

Little Women is a coming-of-age novel written by American novelist Louisa May Alcott (18321888) which was originally published in two volumes in 1868 and 1869. Alcott wrote the book over several months at the request of her publisher. The story follows the lives of the four March sistersMeg, Jo, Beth, and Amyand details their passage from childhood to womanhood. It is loosely based on the lives of the author and her three sisters.

Considered the unofficial sequel to Little Women, Little Men is about a now adult and married Jo March and the boy''s school she runs with her husband, Professor Bhaer. Plumfield is not a traditional school of the time—some of children run their own little businesses. They are also allowed to have pets and gardens, and there''s even a scheduled pillow fight time. The story begins with the arrival of new student Nat Blake, and it is from his perspective that we see the other characters. Mischief, friendship, and learning abound in Plumfield as the boys are molded into little men.

The beloved March family trilogy—presented in one “single, beautifully crafted volume” featuring original illustrations (John Matteson, Pulitzer Prize–winning author) From the incidents of her own remarkable childhood, Louisa May Alcott fashioned a trilogy of novels that catapulted her to fame and fortune and that remain among the most beloved works in all of American literature. Here, in an authoritative single-volume edition restoring Alcott’s original text as well as her sister May (the original of Amy)’s illustrations, is the complete series. Set in a small New England town during the Civil War and Reconstruction, Little Women introduces Alcott’s remarkable heroines, the March sisters—above all, her alter ego Jo March, with her literary ambition and independent spirit. The follow-up, Little Men, follows Jo into adulthood and marriage as she finds herself the caretaker of a houseful of rambunctious children at Plumfield School. Jo’s Boys returns to Plumfield a decade later; now grown, Jo’s children recount adventures of their own. At once heartwarming and true to life, Alcott’s novels will continue to win over readers both young and old, as they have for generations. LIBRARY OF AMERICA is an independent nonprofit cultural organization founded in 1979 to preserve our nation’s literary heritage by publishing, and keeping permanently in print, America’s best and most significant writing. The Library of America series includes more than 300 volumes to date, authoritative editions that average 1,000 pages in length, feature cloth covers, sewn bindings, and ribbon markers, and are printed on premium acid-free paper that will last for centuries.

Little Women is a semi-autobiographical account of Louisa May Alcott''s childhood with her sisters in Concord, Massachusetts. The novel tells the story of four teenaged sisters and their mother, Marmee. The family lives in a new neighborhood in Massachusetts in genteel poverty. Having lost all his money, their father is acting as a pastor, miles from home, involved in the American Civil War. The women face their first Christmas without him. Meg and Jo March, the elder two, have to work in order to support the family: Meg teaches a nearby family of four children; Jo assists her aged great-aunt March, a wealthy widow living in a mansion, Plumfield. Beth, too timid for school, is content to stay at home and help with housework; Amy is still at school. Meg is beautiful and traditional, Jo is a tomboy who writes; Beth is a peacemaker and a pianist; Amy is an artist who longs for elegance and fine society. Jo is impulsive and quick to anger. One of her challenges is trying to control her anger, a challenge that her mother experiences. The term "little women" represented the period in a young woman''s life where childhood and elder childhood were "overlapping" with young womanhood. Each of the March sister heroines had a harrowing experience that alerted her and the reader that "childhood innocence" was of the past, and that "the inescapable woman problem" was all that remained.

Little Women or, Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy is a novel by American author Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888). Written and published in two parts in 1868 and 1869, the novel follows the lives of four sisters - Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy March - and is loosely based on the author''s childhood experiences with her three sisters. The first part of the book was an immediate commercial and critical success and prompted the composition of the book''s second part, also a huge success. Both parts were first published as a single volume in 1880. The book is an unquestioned American classic.

Louisa May Alcott''s ''Her Life, Letters, and Journals'' delves deep into the personal life of the renowned author, offering readers a glimpse into the woman behind classic works such as ''Little Women''. This collection showcases Alcott''s literary style through her intimate letters and journal entries, providing insight into her creative process and the influences that shaped her iconic characters and stories. Alcott''s engaging storytelling and wit shine through in these personal writings, making it a must-read for fans of her work and literature enthusiasts alike. Her candid reflections on her own experiences and relationships bring a new dimension to understanding her timeless novels. Louisa May Alcott''s life and works continue to inspire readers around the world, and this compilation offers a rare opportunity to connect with the author on a more personal level, making it an essential addition to any literary collection.

An Old-Fashioned Girl is a novel by Louisa May Alcott first published in 1869. The first six chapters of the novel were serialised in the Merry''s Museum magazine between July and August 1869. Alcott added another thirteen chapters before publishing the novel. The book revolves around Polly Milton, the old-fashioned girl of the title, who visits the wealthy family of her friend Fanny Shaw in the city and is overwhelmed by their fashionable life they lead and disturbed to see how the family members fail to understand one another and demonstrate little affection. She is largely content to remain on the fringes of their social life but exerts a powerful influence over their emotional lives and family relations. The novel was the basis of a 1949 musical film starring Gloria Jean as Polly.

"I''d gladly sell my soul to Satan for a year of freedom," cries impetuous Rosamond Vivian to her callous grandfather. Then, one stormy night, a brooding stranger appears in her remote island home, ready to take Rosamond to her word. Spellbound by the mysterious Philip Tempest, Rosamond is seduced with promises of love and freedom, then spirited away on Tempest''s sumptuous yacht. But she soon finds herself trapped in a web of intrigue, cruelty, and deceit. Desperate to escape, she flees to Italy, France, and Germany, from Parisian garret to mental asylum, from convent to chateau, as Tempest stalks every step of the fiery beauty who has become his obsession. A story of dark love and passionate obsession that was considered "too sensational" to be published in the authors lifetime, A Long Fatal Love Chase was written for magazine serialization in 1866, two years before the publication of Little Women. Buried among Louisa May Alcott''s papers for more than a century, its publication is a literary landmark—a novel that is bold, timeless, and mesmerizing."

Embark on a Journey Through the Life and Works of Louisa May Alcott Step into the fascinating world of one of America''s most beloved authors with "Louisa May Alcott: Her Life, Letters, and Journals" by Louisa May Alcott herself. This captivating collection offers readers a unique glimpse into the life, thoughts, and experiences of the literary icon behind timeless classics like "Little Women." Biographical Insights: Discover the remarkable life story of Louisa May Alcott, from her humble beginnings in Concord, Massachusetts, to her rise to literary fame as one of the most celebrated authors of the 19th century. Through Alcott''s own words and personal reflections, readers gain intimate insights into the events, relationships, and experiences that shaped her life and career. Letters and Journals: Delve into Alcott''s personal correspondence and journals, which offer a candid and revealing look at her thoughts, feelings, and creative process. From heartfelt letters to family and friends to introspective journal entries, Alcott''s writings provide a window into her inner world, allowing readers to connect with her on a deeply personal level. Themes and Motifs: Explore the recurring themes and motifs that define Alcott''s work, from the bonds of sisterhood and the challenges of womanhood to the pursuit of personal and creative fulfillment. Through her letters and journals, Alcott offers profound insights into the human experience, addressing universal themes that continue to resonate with readers today. Character Analysis: Gain new perspectives on Alcott''s iconic characters and their significance within her body of work. From the spirited March sisters of "Little Women" to the adventurous Jo March, Alcott''s characters reflect her own values, beliefs, and aspirations, serving as powerful symbols of resilience, courage, and hope. Legacy and Influence: Consider the enduring legacy of Louisa May Alcott and her impact on literature, culture, and society. Through her timeless stories and timeless wisdom, Alcott continues to inspire readers of all ages, encouraging them to embrace their individuality, pursue their passions, and find joy and meaning in the everyday moments of life. Personal Reflection: Engage with Alcott''s words and reflect on how her life and work resonate with your own experiences and aspirations. Whether you''re a longtime admirer of her novels or a newcomer to her writings, "Louisa May Alcott: Her Life, Letters, and Journals" invites readers to connect with the author on a deeply personal level and discover the timeless wisdom of one of America''s literary treasures. Immerse yourself in the world of Louisa May Alcott and experience the joys, challenges, and triumphs of a life lived with passion, purpose, and creativity. Whether you''re seeking inspiration, insight, or simply a deeper understanding of one of literature''s most beloved authors, "Louisa May Alcott: Her Life, Letters, and Journals" offers a rich and rewarding journey through the heart and mind of a true literary genius.

Now, more than 160 years after publication, this book is about to be made into ANOTHER Major Motion Picture. The latest movie stars Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Timothée Chalamet, Meryl Streep and Laura Dern. The movie is in the can but is not scheduled to be released until December 25, 2019. The book has been adapted previously for cinema; twice as silent film and four times with sound in 1933, 1949, 1978 and 1994. Six television series were made, including four by the BBC--1950, 1958, 1970, and 2017. The 2017 BBC series was supported by PBS, and aired in 2018 as part of the Masterpiece anthology. A musical version opened on Broadway in 2005. An American opera version in 1998 was performed internationally and filmed for broadcast on US television in 2001. What makes this book so popular? The four girls are 16, 15, 13 and 12 when the book starts. It seems the girls love their mother and want to protect her. Is this the natural condition? Do not girls usually fight with their mothers through their teen age years. In America all girls of a certain age have read Little Women. Now, we are able to reach countries in Eastern Europe and Asia where the little girls grew up without having had the opportunity to read Little Women. Imagine that! There is an increased tendency among some publishers to print books with excessively small type so you need to use a magnifying glass to read the book. We are trying to go in the opposite direction, providing a book in large print that is easier to read. Four teenaged sisters and their mother, Marmee, live in a new neighborhood based in genteel poverty. Having lost all his money, their father is acting as a pastor, miles from home, involved in the American Civil War. The women face their first Christmas without him.

Little Women is a novel by American author Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888), which was originally published in two volumes in 1868 and 1869. Alcott wrote the books over several months at the request of her publisher. Following the lives of the four March sisters-Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy-the novel details their passage from childhood to womanhood and is loosely based on the author and her three sisters.:202 Scholars classify Little Women as an autobiographical or semi-autobiographical novel.

Little Women is a novel by American author Louisa May Alcott. This popular novel concerns the lives and loves of four sisters growing up during the American Civil War, and was based on Alcott''s own experiences as a child in Concord, Massachusetts. Little Women is the most memorable book I have read in several years. A single chapter would bring both laughter and tears. The characters were very real-- living, learning and loving through situations which made them all better human beings. Louisa May Alcott is one of my favorite authors. She weaves solid wisdom and goodness into every tale she tells. The characters are beautifully portrayed, probably and no other character shall I ever find who will delight me like Jo March. Louisa May Alcott''s books deserve to be spread far and wide and this site is a wonderful way to get most of her works.

Louisa May Alcott''s ''Little Women, Little Men & Jo''s Boys (Illustrated Edition)'' is a timeless collection of three beloved works that delve into the lives of the March family and their adventures. Known for its touching portrayal of sisterhood, coming-of-age themes, and strong female characters, this book embodies Alcott''s unique literary style that combines sentimentalism with moral lessons. Set in the 19th century, these stories provide insight into the social and cultural norms of the time, making them both entertaining and educational reads for readers of all ages. Louisa May Alcott, herself, drew inspiration from her own experiences growing up in a progressive and intellectual family. Her desire to depict the challenges and triumphs of young girls and women in a male-dominated society is evident in the rich character development and intricate plotlines of her works. Alcott''s commitment to feminist ideals and social reform shines through in ''Little Women, Little Men & Jo''s Boys,'' making her a pioneer in the literary world. I highly recommend ''Little Women, Little Men & Jo''s Boys (Illustrated Edition)'' to anyone looking for a heartfelt and engaging read that explores themes of family, friendship, and personal growth. Alcott''s masterful storytelling and timeless messages continue to resonate with readers today, making this collection a must-read classic.

Jo''s Boys, and How They Turned Out: A Sequel to "Little Men" is a novel by American author Louisa May Alcott, first published in 1886. The novel is the final book in the unofficial Little Women trilogy. In it, Jo''s "children", now grown, are caught up in real world troubles.

A 14-year-old country girl, Polly Milton, visits her friend, Fanny Shaw, and her wealthy family in the city for the first time. Poor Polly is overwhelmed by the splendor and their urbanized, fashionable lifestyles, expensive clothes and other habits she has never been exposed to. Fanny''s friends reject her because of her different behavior and simple clothing, and Fan herself can''t help considering her unusual sometimes. However, Polly''s warmth, support and kindness eventually win the hearts of all, and her old-fashioned ways teach them a lesson.