Thursday, August 20, 2009

Alcott's Little Women & Little Men!


Louisa May Alcott would have loved this backyard book reading. This is a 1960's picture of my sister Connie reading her favorite book, Little Women, to our little brother Jimmy. You can see they are both quite enchanted with the stories! (Note the placement of the lawn chairs built by our father...looks like a great way to stretch out in the summer sun, doesn't it?)

Louisa May Alcott (Nov 29, 1831-Mar 6, 1888) wrote her books during the American civil war. She was an abolitionist and a feminist who spoke her mind at every turn of the day! She went to work early in life due to the family's poor financial situation, spending time as a teacher, a seamstress, and a governess.

In 1860, she began writing for the Atlantic Monthly and then spent a short time in a civil war hospital, Union Hospital in Georgetown, D.C. helping as a nurse. Her letters home from this period were later published in the Commonwealth. Her many books are probably familiar to all of us who grew up with her stories of Little Women.

12 comments:

  1. OH GIRL! TWO of my special finds on our vacation were finding old, old copies of both Little Women and Little Men. They are two of my favorite books! I also found Heidi, My Friend Flicka, Treasure Island, The Little Ark and It's a Woman's World.
    I have them packed away, but when we get home this weekend, I will be posting them as soon as I can unpack them!!!
    Great post!!!!!
    HAGD! Karen - Some Days are Diamonds

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  2. Hi: Love your blog, especially those vintage greeting cards. I don't seem to come across them as often, and if I do they are very expensive. You have a great collection.

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  3. Oh the picture is wonderful....I love Little Women..love your blog..Hugs, Sarah

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  4. "Little Women" was a favorite book which I read when I was a young teenager. Loved it! Thanks for reviving the memory.

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  5. Hello, Coralie,
    As a former elementary school teacher, it warms my heart to see that picture of your sister reading to your brother. I have always loved Little Women. When my grandchildren come over, one of our rituals is pulling out some of their favorite books and reading together before we go to bed. Have a good rest of the week. Thanks for stopping by for a visit. Vicki

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  6. That is such a heartwarming picture. Thank you for the information on LMA. I am a history buff and that was very interesting. Have a nice day! Twyla

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  7. Coralie I love the picture and the chairs, well those are amazing.

    I remember the book fondly. I think I read it at least six times.

    Love Renee xoxo

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  8. This is just the sweetest photo, Coralie! I have a small collection of Little Women books. We live about 20 minutes from Orchard House in Concord, MA, where Loouisa May Alcott wrote Little Women, so we've been fortunate to go on tours through her home. I still get goosebumps every time I stand in her bedroom next to the desk where she wrote Little Women!!!... Donna

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  9. I love Louisa May Alcott! Her stories are wonderful (I especially like "Under the Lilacs").

    Blessings,

    Kim

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  10. What a great photo! And Little Women is one of my all time childhood faves!

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  11. I love the little snippets into your childhood!

    Blessings,
    Christine

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  12. Well hey there....Little Women is my favorite movie and I have 3 different ones and every winter around Christmas I watch all 3. I have grown real fond of the recent one with Winona Ryder and Susan Saradon but nothing beats the B&W with Katharine Hepburn or the version with Elizabeth Taylor. Wish summer would take a hike and fall/winter show up soon as this heat is gettin old!
    Love all of your old photos.... =^..^=

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