The World of Louisa May Alcott

by William Anderson, David Wade (Photographer)

This charming illustrated book captures the life of a writer whose work is enjoying a resurgence of popularity, and reveals the reality that inspired the timeless novel.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, History

120 pages, Paperback

First published October 11, 1995

About the author

William Anderson is an American author, historian and lecturer. He is a specialist in the subject of Laura Ingalls Wilder and her times.

His interest in American frontier began after reading Little House on the Prairie. He is a director of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum in Mansfield, Missouri, and he lives and works as a teacher in Michigan.

Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Lianne Kulik · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best part of this brief history of the Alcott family is the re-printing of an article LMA wrote weeks before her death, "Recollections of My Childhood." A rarely printed short essay, the piece brings out Alcott's warmth in writing at her finest, and is an awesome autobiographical testimony on her family and accomplishments.

[Jackie Mahoney · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic, in-depth look at both the life of LMA and the places that were important to her. Beautiful pictures, too!

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the format and the look into LMA's life.

[Donnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is like a refreshing stop in Concord, Massachusetts, beneath the shade of a tree, near a sparkling river or "pond" , all fresh from a recent rain.

Had known that Louisa and her father had died but a few days apart. Did not know that they shared the same birthday. And, also, that when she last sees him he asks her to go with him and she says she wishes she could.

Also especially nice to get more of the story of Lulu, May's daughter who was raised by Louisa until Louisa's death.

[Becki · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book covers not just Alcott but the surrounding literary and Transcendentalist scene at the time. It was a bit repetitive and there were weird, random spreads of landscape photographs. But still interesting and worth the read.

[Lia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book! It is all about Louisa May Alcott (the author of Little Women), her family, her friends, and her life. It is very well researched and there are amazing old photographs printed inside. I loved reading this book!!

[Rebecca Dartnall · Rating 3 out of 5]

An introductory overview of Louisa's life, and the times she lived in, including interesting tidbits on her individual family members, her friendships, her writing life and publishing challenges. Filled with color (present day) photographs, historical photographs and illustrations from her works. Interspersed with Louisa's writings as well; an engaging and "largely visual documentary" ("Acknowledgments").

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I ever read on Louisa May Alcott, inspiring a life-long passion for the author and her world. Beautifully illustrated, this is an excellent, though brief introduction to the life of the author of "Little Women."