Louisa May Alcott

The book, Behind a Mask; or, a Woman's Power, has been considered important throughout the human history, and so that this work is never forgotten we have made efforts in its preservation by republishing this book in a modern format for present and future generations. This whole book has been reformatted, retyped and designed. These books are not made of scanned copies of their original work and hence the text is clear and readable.

“As a child, my hero was Jo March […] But as an adult, it's Louisa May Alcott.” –Greta GerwigThe Mysterious Key and What It Opened (1867) is a novella by American author, feminist, and abolitionist Louisa May Alcott. Although less popular than her famed “March Family Saga,” the novella showcases Alcott’s gift for storytelling and deep concern for children who have suffered. The Mysterious Key and What It Opened is a hidden gem, a work of mystery that explores themes of family, death, and perseverance. Lillian Trevlyn was yet to be born when her father passed away under unknown circumstances. Not much is certain about Sir Richard Trevlyn’s death beyond her mother’s fragmented account. Curious about her husband’s unknown visitor, Alice—pregnant with Lillian at the time—listens through the keyhole to the conversation going on inside the library. Horrified by what she hears, Alice faints, only to learn later that her husband has been found dead. Raised by her mother, Lillian grows up to be a strong young woman and hopes to put her past misfortunes behind her. While walking on the grounds of her family estate one day twelve years later, she meets a teenager named Paul who asks to be given work. Although he seems an upstanding young man, rumors begin to circulate among the family’s servants, digging up the family’s tragic history. When Paul mysteriously disappears, it becomes increasingly apparent that the past—however distant—has come full circle. The Mysterious Key and What It Opened is a captivating tale of mystery, wealth, and danger from an author known more for her works written for children and young adults. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Louisa May Alcott’s The Mysterious Key and What It Opened is a classic of American literature and mystery fiction reimagined for modern readers.

Eight Cousins (1875) is a novel by American author, feminist, and abolitionist Louisa May Alcott. Based on her experience of being raised by a father dedicated to education reform, and grounded in her radical beliefs on the role of women in society, Eight Cousins is a masterpiece of children’s literature that explores themes of family, death, and perseverance. Rose Campbell is a young girl when her parents pass away. Orphaned, she is taken to the Boston home of her great aunts, the Campbell sisters, who raise her while awaiting the arrival of their brother Alec, Rose’s legal guardian. An heiress, Rose must adjust to the rhythms of New England high society while also learning that the limitations placed on women—which her uncle disdains—must not be allowed to restrain her. When Alec returns from business overseas, she is introduced to her male uncles and cousins. Although she is nervous at first—and still in mourning for her affectionate father— she soon finds herself appreciative of her new male role model, who educates her, rejects the oppressive women’s fashion of the day, and encourages her to take control of her life and fortune. Although her more conservative aunts are first wary of Alec’s influence, they too grow to understand his moral and political principles, creating the harmony necessary for Rose’s upbringing and development into a capable young woman. Although less popular than Alcott’s “March Family Saga,” Eight Cousins is a brilliant work that captures the power of love and community over prejudice and convention, and—like each of the author’s works—has long been read and adored by children and adults alike. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Louisa May Alcott’s Eight Cousins is a classic of American literature and children’s fiction reimagined for modern readers.

“Six generations of readers have found in the story of the March family universal truths about girls, families and growing up.” -The Guardian “A Natural source of stories...she is, and is to be the poet of children.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson “The novelist of children...the Thackeray, the Trollope, of the nursery and the schoolroom.”-Henry James Little Men is the second book in Louisa May Alcott's “Little Women” trilogy of children's books centered around the activities of the March’s, a progressive transcendental New England family. In this novel, a six month period of time during the late 1800's is recounted in the life of Jo Bhaer (née March) at the experimental school she runs with her German husband. A warm and heartfelt classic, Little Men is a delightful novel about the bonds and trust within friendship and family. When a poor orphan boy, Nat, is dropped on the stairs of Plumfield Estate School he is welcomed with open arms. The school is a unique and loving environment for Nat. He is encouraged in his musical talents and is encouraged to explore patience and the virtues of unity through nursery theater. When Dan, an old friend of Nat's arrives at the school, the tranquility of Plumfield is threatened. Through each student who joins the school, Alcott brilliantly portrays the experiences and the lessons learned. With its deceptively simple plot, the adventures and growth of the thirteen boys and two little girls is a beautifully realistic rendering of personal responsibility in the lives of young children. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Little Men is both modern and readable.

Jo’s Boys (1886) is a novel by American author Louis May Alcott. Written while Alcott was living in the historic Thoreau-Alcott House in Concord, Massachusetts, Jo’s Boys picks up ten years after the events of Little Men, which followed the young sons of Jo Bhaer (née March) and Professor Friedrich Bhaer at their newly established Plumfield Estate School. As with the rest of the series, Jo’s Boys was inspired by the educational reforms theorized and practiced by her father. Plumfield boys Tommy, Emil, Nat, Dan, Demi, Rob, and Ted have all grown up, taking with them into the world the lessons they learned at the Plumfield Estate School. Split into sections following the lives of each young man, Jo’s Boys traces the impact on Jo and Friedrich Bhaer’s experimental form of education across a number of diverse—and often difficult—situations. Each character navigates the realities of college, marriage, and work with varying degrees of success, often finding that what they can most rely on is a well-grounded sense of morality, as well as a strong and abundant understanding of themselves as individuals. Emil, Professor Friedrich Bhaer’s nephew, becomes a sailor, gets promoted to second mate, and is faced with the challenge of rescuing his fellow shipmates after a wreck leaves them stranded. Tommy enters medical school but finds it difficult to dedicate himself to his work while weighing his complex affections for Nan and Dora, both of whom he could see himself marrying. The novel’s most compelling character is Dan, who becomes a sheep-herder in Australia before returning to America, being arrested out West, and ultimately discovering his deeply entrenched need to dedicate his life to others. Although originally written for children, Louisa May Alcott’s Jo’s Boys, alongside the other novels in her “March Family Saga,” has long been read and adored by children and adults alike. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Louisa May Alcott’s Jo’s Boys is a classic of American literature and children’s fiction reimagined for modern readers.

In 1870, Louisa May Alcott and her younger sister Abby May Alcott began a fourteen-month tour of Europe. Louisa had already made her mark as a writer; May was on the verge of a respected art career. Little Women Abroad gathers a generous selection of May’s drawings along with all of the known letters written by the two Alcott sisters during their trip. More than thirty drawings are included, nearly all of them previously unpublished. Of the seventy-one letters collected here, more than three-quarters appear in their entirety for the first time. Daniel Shealy’s supporting materials add detail and context to the people, places, and events referenced in the letters and illustrations. By the time of the Alcott sisters’ sojourn, Louisa’s Little Women was already an international success, and her most recent work, An Old-Fashioned Girl, was selling briskly. Louisa was now a grand literary lioness on tour. She would compose Little Men while in Europe, and her European letters would form the basis of her travel book Shawl Straps. If Louisa’s letters reveal a writer’s eye, then May’s demonstrate an eye for color, detail, and composition. Although May had prior art training in Boston, she came into her own only during her studies with European masters. When at a loss for words, she took her drawing pen in hand. These letters of two important American artists, one literary, the other visual, tell a vibrant story at the crossroads of European and American history and culture.

THESE stories were written for my own amusement during a period of enforced seclusion. The flowers which were my solace and pleasure suggested titles for the tales and gave an interest to the work. If my girls find a little beauty or sunshine in these common blossoms, their old friend will not have made her Garland in vain. Louisa May Alcott

Louisa May Alcott's iconic novel-the beloved portrait of a nineteenth-century New England family in wartime The classic story of the March family, Little Women has been adored for generations. Now in a vibrant new deluxe edition with an introduction by Jane Smiley and a cover by Julie Doucet, the novel follows the lives of four sisters-tomboyish Jo, beautiful Meg, fragile Beth, and romantic Amy-as they come of age while their father is fighting in the Civil War. Since 1868, readers have rooted for Laurie in his pursuit of Jo's hand, cried over the family's tragedy, and dreamed of traveling through Europe with old Aunt March and Amy. In this simple, enthralling tale, Louisa May Alcott has created four of American literature's most beloved women.

Louisa May Alcott's iconic novel-the beloved portrait of a nineteenth-century New England family in wartime The classic story of the March family, Little Women has been adored for generations. Now in a vibrant new deluxe edition with an introduction by Jane Smiley and a cover by Julie Doucet, the novel follows the lives of four sisters-tomboyish Jo, beautiful Meg, fragile Beth, and romantic Amy-as they come of age while their father is fighting in the Civil War. Since 1868, readers have rooted for Laurie in his pursuit of Jo's hand, cried over the family's tragedy, and dreamed of traveling through Europe with old Aunt March and Amy. In this simple, enthralling tale, Louisa May Alcott has created four of American literature's most beloved women.

This sparkling sequel to the beloved Little Women follows the grown-up and married Jo, mistress of Plumfield, a school for boys (and a few girls, too). The fun begins with a new arrival, Nat Blake; it is through his eyes that we first meet Plumfield's lively residents and experience the cheerful confusion that reigns in the welcoming home. Fans of the first book will happily greet these wonderful characters...and renew their acquaintance with such old favorites as Laurie and Meg.

Little Men recounts six months in the life of the students at Plumfield. The story begins with the arrival of Nat Blake, a shy young orphan who used to earn a living playing the violin. The school is not run on conventional lines. All the children have their own gardens and their own pets, and are encouraged to experiment with running businesses. Pillow fights are permitted on Saturdays, subject to a time limit. Children are also treated as individuals, with a strong emphasis on gently molding their characters. The novel reprises characters from Little Women and is considered by some the second book in an unofficial Little Women series. The idea of the school is first suggested at the very end of Little Women, when adult Jo inherited the estate from her late Aunt March. Little Men was first adapted into film in 1934 starring Erin O'Brien-Moore and Ralph Morgan. Other films followed in 1940 and 1998. This case laminate collector's edition includes a Victorian inspired dust-jacket.

After the death of her parents, Christie Devon declares her autonomy and desire to pioneer a new option for women—working. As a single woman, Christie wants to maintain her independence and work outside the home. She begins her journey discouraged to find that as a woman, her upbringing has failed her in that she was not taught a trade, as men often were, but rather the duties of a housewife. Christie first works as a maid, knowing there was no shame in the work itself. However, society was keen on making the work typical of women humiliating, and Christie soon finds that her pride cannot handle being a maid. Next, Christie works as an actress. She enjoys this work, though is discouraged by some of the “unvirtuous” aspects of the job. When she doesn’t obtain the success she was hoping for, Christie begins factory work. In the face of endless dilemmas, discouragement, and discrimination, Christie becomes even more determined not only to pave a path of success and independence for herself, but to inspire it for other women as well. Accompanied by an odd but lovable assortment of friends, including a radical priest, a prostitute, and a freed slave, Christie nurtures her ambition while keeping her values, becoming an advocate for women in the workplace. On the frontlines of the start of women working outside the home, Work: A Story of Experience depicts life as a working woman during the Industrial era. As an advocate for women’s rights, Louisa May Alcott demonstrates in her novel that a woman can have both love and work. Alcott’s feminism translates as modern even today, as there are still lingering ideas that a woman who works is selfish. Work: A Story of Experience defies this, depicting Christie, a woman who exudes ambition while maintaining her loving virtues. This edition of Louisa May Alcott’s Work: A Story of Experience is redesigned with an eye-catching new cover and easy-to-read print. Work: A Story of Experience depicts the semi-autobiographical struggles of author Louisa May Alcott as a working women in the 19th century, but also exemplifies feminism and romance that is still both admirable and applicable.

After the death of her parents, Christie Devon declares her autonomy and desire to pioneer a new option for women—working. As a single woman, Christie wants to maintain her independence and work outside the home. She begins her journey discouraged to find that as a woman, her upbringing has failed her in that she was not taught a trade, as men often were, but rather the duties of a housewife. Christie first works as a maid, knowing there was no shame in the work itself. However, society was keen on making the work typical of women humiliating, and Christie soon finds that her pride cannot handle being a maid. Next, Christie works as an actress. She enjoys this work, though is discouraged by some of the “unvirtuous” aspects of the job. When she doesn’t obtain the success she was hoping for, Christie begins factory work. In the face of endless dilemmas, discouragement, and discrimination, Christie becomes even more determined not only to pave a path of success and independence for herself, but to inspire it for other women as well. Accompanied by an odd but lovable assortment of friends, including a radical priest, a prostitute, and a freed slave, Christie nurtures her ambition while keeping her values, becoming an advocate for women in the workplace. On the frontlines of the start of women working outside the home, Work: A Story of Experience depicts life as a working woman during the Industrial era. As an advocate for women’s rights, Louisa May Alcott demonstrates in her novel that a woman can have both love and work. Alcott’s feminism translates as modern even today, as there are still lingering ideas that a woman who works is selfish. Work: A Story of Experience defies this, depicting Christie, a woman who exudes ambition while maintaining her loving virtues. This edition of Louisa May Alcott’s Work: A Story of Experience is redesigned with an eye-catching new cover and easy-to-read print. Work: A Story of Experience depicts the semi-autobiographical struggles of author Louisa May Alcott as a working women in the 19th century, but also exemplifies feminism and romance that is still both admirable and applicable.

Jo’s Boys (1886) is a novel by American author Louis May Alcott. Written while Alcott was living in the historic Thoreau-Alcott House in Concord, Massachusetts, Jo’s Boys picks up ten years after the events of Little Men, which followed the young sons of Jo Bhaer (née March) and Professor Friedrich Bhaer at their newly established Plumfield Estate School. As with the rest of the series, Jo’s Boys was inspired by the educational reforms theorized and practiced by her father. Plumfield boys Tommy, Emil, Nat, Dan, Demi, Rob, and Ted have all grown up, taking with them into the world the lessons they learned at the Plumfield Estate School. Split into sections following the lives of each young man, Jo’s Boys traces the impact on Jo and Friedrich Bhaer’s experimental form of education across a number of diverse—and often difficult—situations. Each character navigates the realities of college, marriage, and work with varying degrees of success, often finding that what they can most rely on is a well-grounded sense of morality, as well as a strong and abundant understanding of themselves as individuals. Emil, Professor Friedrich Bhaer’s nephew, becomes a sailor, gets promoted to second mate, and is faced with the challenge of rescuing his fellow shipmates after a wreck leaves them stranded. Tommy enters medical school but finds it difficult to dedicate himself to his work while weighing his complex affections for Nan and Dora, both of whom he could see himself marrying. The novel’s most compelling character is Dan, who becomes a sheep-herder in Australia before returning to America, being arrested out West, and ultimately discovering his deeply entrenched need to dedicate his life to others. Although originally written for children, Louisa May Alcott’s Jo’s Boys, alongside the other novels in her “March Family Saga,” has long been read and adored by children and adults alike. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Louisa May Alcott’s Jo’s Boys is a classic of American literature and children’s fiction reimagined for modern readers.

This book has been considered by academicians and scholars of great significance and value to literature. This forms a part of the knowledge base for future generations. So that the book is never forgotten we have represented this book in a print format as the same form as it was originally first published. Hence any marks or annotations seen are left intentionally to preserve its true nature.