Customer Reviews

Louisa May Alcott: A Biography

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Madeleine Stern was integral in uncovering the "lost" thrillers of Louisa May Alcott, which were published under her pen name A.M.Barnard. Because of her familiarity with Alcott's life and work, I expected a lot more out of the biography than I received. The author's 19C style detracts from the information presented and often leads to confusion on the part of the reader, assuming the reader has familiarity with the vocabulary, customs and diseases of the 19C. The author also mentions characters without bothering to mention their significance. For example "Miss Burnett" is mentioned several times in the biography. What is never mentioned is that "Miss Burnett" is Frances Hodgson Burnett, author of such childhood classics as "A Little Princess" and "The Secret Garden." I felt this book would have been more useful to me had it been written in a more straight forward style and been more educational in its approach not only to the Alcott in particular, but to the 19C in general.

Originally published in 1950, Madeleine B. Stern captured not only the facts but the very spirit of Louisa May's remarkable life. Alcott enthusiasts will find this the definitive and indispensable work in its field. The research, documentation, and references are painstakingly thorough. No important aspect is omitted. The cover is graced with the beautiful photo of Louisa May taken at age 25, many years before she penned her immortal "Little Women." Simply put, the book is wonderful.

If you are looking for a quick read on LMA life then this is not the book for you. But if you need to write a big report or you are just looking for a good informative book on her life, buy this biography. It is very informative and personal about the author. You would almost think you lived with Louisa May Alcott with all the details given in this book.

Louisa May Alcott: A Biography by Madeleine B. Stern is like reading a novel . Ms. Alcott is the herione and all the famous and interesting people who lived with her in Concord are characters that come alive and make you connect with the history of their time.

"Moods" was a very good boo