This Penguin Classics edition of Louisa May Alcott's inspiring tale of sisterhood, Little Women , is edited with an introduction by Elaine Showalter.
Little Women is the heartwarming story of the March family that has thrilled generations of readers. It is the story of four sisters—Jo, Meg, Amy and Beth— and of the courage, humor and ingenuity they display to survive poverty and the absence of their father during the Civil War.
This Penguin Classics edition of Louisa May Alcott's inspiring tale of sisterhood, Little Women , is edited with an introduction by Elaine Showalter.
Little Women is the heartwarming story of the March family that has thrilled generations of readers. It is the story of four sisters—Jo, Meg, Amy and Beth— and of the courage, humor and ingenuity they display to survive poverty and the absence of their father during the Civil War.
The charming story of four 'little women' - Meg, Jo, Amy and Beth - and their wise and patient mother Marmee, was an instant success when first published in 1868. Enduring hardships and enjoying adventures in Civil War New England, the March sisters have been adored for generations. Readers have rooted for Laurie in his pursuit of Jo's hand, cried over little Beth's death, and dreamed of travelling through Europe with old Aunt March and Amy. Future writers have found inspiration in Jo's devotion to her writing. In this simple, enthralling tale, both parts of which are included here, Louisa May Alcott has created four of American literature's most beloved women.
In her enlightening, thoughtful introduction, Elaine Showalter discusses Louisa May Alcott's influences, and her aspirations for Little Women, as well as the impact the novel has had on such women writers as Joyce Carol Oates and Cynthia Ozick. This edition also includes notes on the text by Siobhan Kilfeather and Vinca Showalter.
If you enjoyed Little Women you might like Elizabeth Gaskell's Wives and Daughters, also available in Penguin Classics.
Runner-up for The BBC Big Read Top 100 2003
Runner-up for The BBC Big Read Top 21 2003
Short-listed for BBC Big Read Top 100 2003
“"The American female myth." -Madelon Bedell”
"The American female myth." --Madelon Bedell
LOUSIA MAY ALCOTT was born in Pennsylvania, in 1832, the second of four daughters. After a period of serving as an army nurse, she published HOSPITAL SKETCHES in 1863, followed by Gothic Romances and lurid thrillers. In 1868-9 she published LITTLE WOMEN, which proved so popular that it was followed by two sequels and several other novels. She died in 1888.
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