Louisa May Alcott

Little Women follows the four March sisters on their pathway to adulthood: independent Jo; loving Beth; kind Meg; and beautiful Amy, the baby of the family? The charming story of these four "little women" and their wise and patient mother enduring hardships and enjoying adventures in Civil War New England was an instant success when first published and has been a classic favorite in homes ever since.

Before her wider fame as the author of Little Women, Louisa May Alcott achieved recognition for her accounts of her work as a volunteer nurse in an army hospital. Written during the winter of 1862-63, her lively dispatches appeared in the newspapaer Commonwealth, where they were eagerly read by soldiers' friends and families. Then, as now, these chronicles revealed the desperate realities of battlefield medicine as well as the tentative first steps of women in military service.

A first-person account of Little Women author Louisa May Alcott's experiences as an Army Nurse during the Civil War, Hospital Sketches sparkles with Alcott's wit and humor even as she confronts the results of war. 96 pages, softcover.

Alcott, beloved author of Little Women and other magnificent children's classics, brings to life the tale of Polly Milton, a young girl who leaves her simple country life to stay at the home of her wealthy city cousins. But can plain Polly enjoy sophisticated city life without changing? This unforgettable story about being true to yourself continues to inspire.

Rose, a shy orphan, blossoms in the company of her spirited relatives when she takes up residence at "The Aunt Hill." This captivating novel by the author of Little Women offers readers of all ages endearing, inspiring stories about growing up, making friends, and facing life with kindness and courage.

Her first novel, The Inheritance was unpublished until found by Professors Myerson and Shealy. Greatly influenced by the gothic and sentimental novels of the time, Alcott's enchanting novel follows Edith Adelon, an Italian orphan who inherits the estate in which she is a paid companion. Explore the tenous signs of a burgeoning classic author as her virtuous and charming heroine goes about to win her inheritance through respect and loyalty. 147 pages, softcover.

This collection of five poignant short stories contains two pieces from Hospital Sketches, published in 1863:"Obtaining Supplies," and "A Night." Also included are "My Contraband," Happy Women," and "How I Went out to Service."

In this story of an 1820s Thanksgiving, a woman must leave her children to care for her ailing mother. She goes away on Thanksgiving Day, and the children decide to prepare their own Thanksgiving feast. Later that day, to the children's surprise, Mother returns to find a delightful dinner on the table.

Cozy watercolor paintings portray Louisa May Alcott's rural New Hampshire perfectly. When Mr. and Mrs. Bassett are called away to her sick mother, their five children are left alone for Thanksgiving-and decide to make a turkey, pudding, stuffing, and pies on their own.