American Legends: The Life of Louisa May Alcott

By: Charles River Editors

Narrated by: Diane Lehman

Length: 1 hr and 3 mins

Publisher's Summary

"I believe that it is as much a right and duty for women to do something with their lives as for men and we are not going to be satisfied with such frivolous parts as you give us." - Louisa May Alcott, Rose in Bloom

Louisa May Alcott (1832 - 1888) was one of the best authors of her day, but even though she's remembered primarily for being a late 19th century novelist, she was also a progressive Transcendentalist. Though Alcott is not as well-known as writers like Thoreau and Emerson, and she lacked the advocacy work of women like Susan B. Anthony, she used her pen to help push for change on the foremost social issues of the day, including gender equality and abolition.

Alcott managed to make semi-autobiographical works popular among audiences of all ages. Her most critically acclaimed work is Little Women with the protagonists modeled after Alcott and her sisters. The book was both breezy but serious, offering a glimpse at the various aspects of life for 19th century women coming of age. One contemporary reviewer called Little Women "the very best of books to reach the hearts of the young of any age from six to 60."

©2012 Charles River Editors (P)2015 Charles River Editors