Chronicles the life and literary success of the author of the enduring classic, "Little Women."

Louisa May Alcott never intended to write Little Women. She had dismissed her publisher’s pleas for such a novel. Written out of necessity to support her family, the book had an astounding success that changed her life, a life which turned out very differently from that of her beloved heroine Jo March. In Louisa May Alcott, Susan Cheever, the acclaimed author of American Bloomsbury, returns to Concord, Massachusetts, to explore the life of one of its most iconic residents. Based on extensive research, journals, and correspondence, Cheever’s biography chronicles all aspects of Alcott’s life, from the fateful meeting of her parents to her death, just two days after that of her father. She details Bronson Alcott’s stalwart educational vision, which led the Alcotts to relocate each time his progressive teaching went sour; her unsuccessful early attempts at serious literature, including Moods, which Henry James panned; her time as a Civil War nurse, when she contracted pneumonia and was treated with mercury-laden calomel, which would affect her health for the rest of her life; and her vibrant intellectual circle of writers and reformers, idealists who led the charge in support of antislavery, temperance, and women’s rights. Alcott’s independence defied the conventional wisdom, and her personal choices and literary legacy continue to inspire generations of women. A fan of Little Women from the age of twelve, and a distinguished author in her own right, Cheever brings a unique perspective to Louisa May Alcott’s life as a woman, a daughter, and a working writer.

Offers a portrait of Louisa May Alcott through a collection of personal letters and journal entries, giving insight into her life and her work.

PBS and HBO documentary scriptwriter Harriet Reisen reveals the extraordinary woman behind the beloved American classic as never before. Louisa May Alcott is the perfect gift for fans of Little Women and of Greta Gerwig's adaptation starring Meryl Streep, Emma Watson, and Saoirse Ronan. “At last, Louisa May Alcott has the biography that admirers of Little Women might have hoped for.” —The Wall Street Journal's 10 Best Books of the Year A fresh, modern take on the remarkable Louisa May Alcott, Harriet Reisen's vivid biography explores the author's life in the context of her works, many of which are to some extent autobiographical. Although Alcott secretly wrote pulp fiction, harbored radical abolitionist views, and served as a Civil War nurse, her novels went on to sell more copies than those of Herman Melville and Henry James. Stories and details culled from Alcott's journals, together with revealing letters to family, friends, and publishers, plus recollections of her famous contemporaries, provide the basis for this lively account of the author's classic rags-to-riches tale.

The 19th-century author of LITTLE WOMEN, Louisa May Alcott kept copious journals. Like her fictional alter ego, Jo March, Alcott was a free spirit who longed for independence. In her journals are found hints of Alcott's surprisingly complex persona as well as clues to her double life as an author not only of "high" literature but also of serial thrillers and Gothic romances. 31 photos.

Traces the life of the nineteenth-century American author who wrote "Little Women" and its sequels

Who is the author behind your most beloved American classic? This title takes a look into Louisa May Alcott's life, including significant events, influences, and most remembered works. Alcott is remembered for her renowned novel Little Women, which was based loosely off of her adventurous childhood. Special features include sidebars, infographics, on-page definitions, online search sidebar, further evidence sidebar and primary sources. This title also includes a timeline, glossary, Web links, index, and common core activities. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Core Library is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.

Collects the writer's letters, revealing her observations, struggles, and triumphs

Take a carriage ride back to 1800s America and learn how Louisa May Alcott's home and family life influenced her writing. This nonfiction text breathes life into the pages of history, and gives students a sense of what life was like in Louisa May Alcott's time. Developed by Timothy Rasinski and featuring TIME content, this biography includes essential text features like an index, captions, glossary, and table of contents. The intriguing sidebars, fascinating images, and detailed Reader's Guide prompt students to connect back to the text and encourage multiple readings. The Think Link and Dig Deeper sections develop students' higher-order thinking skills. The Check It Out! section includes suggested books, videos, and websites for further reading. Aligned with state standards, this title features complex and rigorous content appropriate for students preparing for college and career readiness.

The Collected Works of Louisa May Alcott (Illustrated Edition) offers a comprehensive collection of the literary works of Louisa May Alcott, one of the most acclaimed American authors of the 19th century. This anthology showcases Alcott's diverse writing style, from her classic novel 'Little Women' to her lesser-known works, encompassing themes of family, love, and social issues. The inclusion of illustrations enhances the reader's experience and brings Alcott's world to life. Alcott's poignant prose and relatable characters make this collection a timeless masterpiece of American literature. Louisa May Alcott's writing is characterized by its authenticity and insight into the human experience. Her deep understanding of interpersonal relationships and societal norms is evident in each of her works, making her a prominent voice in American literature. Alcott's own experiences growing up in Concord, Massachusetts, and her close relationship with her family undoubtedly influenced her writing, providing readers with a glimpse into her personal experiences. I highly recommend The Collected Works of Louisa May Alcott to anyone seeking to explore the depth and beauty of American literature. Alcott's timeless stories will captivate readers of all ages and leave a lasting impression.