The Annotated Little Women

Stunning new photos, gorgeous volume, fresh insight

Just when you think there can't be anything more revealed about the Alcotts, something new and wonderful comes our way. This rich and gorgeous volume of Little Women is filled with treasures that delight any fan of the March family from the casual reader to the Alcott wonk (like me). John Matteson never fails to amaze me with his insight into Louisa May Alcott; in his introduction and biographical account he brings a fresh approach to the children's classic and its author that goes far beyond the familiar feminist interpretation. Matteson presents a well-rounded picture of each sister, focusing on what Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy bring to the table for readers today. As a Beth fan myself, I was so pleased to see how he gave this often misunderstood character her due, praising her faith, courage and graciousness when facing certain death. There are many never-seen-before photos in this book from the archives of Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House--stunning remnants of a memorable family which include locks of hair from Louisa and Lizzie, rare new photos of Anna, Lizzie's New Testament (only recently discovered) and drawings by May of her nephews. Such remnants link the real Alcott sisters to their fictional counterparts in such an intimate way. Norton did a magnificent job with assembling and designing this book--my husband said it looked like a Bible! My only quibble is that some of the paintings and drawings printed on the dark side. Matteson's commentary throughout the book continues the themes begun with the introduction and biography--it is a must to read those parts first to appreciate his notes. Matteson concludes his biographical account with this sentence: "As a writer, as a person, Louisa May Alcott's greatest success lay in the invisible gifts she gave to others." So true. John Matteson does a magnificent job in extracting those gifts and revealing them to the world. Read more