The best part of this biography is that it’s over.

The 1950 biography of Louisa May Alcott remains the most thorough and readable account of the life and work of the beloved American writer.

1996 edition
422 pages - 331; the rest is bibliography, notes, and index

The subject matter was interesting, but the writing was not particularly good and a little archaic.

An excellently detailed examination of Louisa's early writing for periodicals, the development of her writing style, and her progression as a professional writer. I've read many biographies, but this one gave me insights I'd never before considered. I want to read this one again!

Read this for class and really liked it. Was happy to find out that Alcott had a dark side.

Great collection of primary sources by Alcott, and other transcendentalists and reformers. Well organized by topics: education, alternative medicine, suffrage, Brook Farms & Fruitland communal experiments, abolition, and more.

The biography of Louisa May Alcott** by Madeleine B. Stern chronicles the hard lessons of life that fed Louisa’s imagination. Her writing career began with a desire to support her family—her mother and her sisters. Along the way she taught school, volunteered to provide nursing care for soldiers during the Civil War, and traveled to Europe as the maid/companion of an invalid.

As I read through this book I was able to picture the scenes and events that Miss Alcott drew on to write stories and her books. The biographer does a good job of bringing the 1800s to life.

I liked this book as it provided an insight as to who Louisa May Alcott was. That being said, the book often seemed to me like a textbook, and it took me a little longer than normal to finish reading. Louisa May Alcott seemed to be a fascinating person and interested in everything around her. And, family seemed to be most important to her. The author spent much time in research for this book, and I appreciated the time spent. Excellently written.