Louisa May Alcott Summer Reading Challenge Week 1

Louisa May Alcott Summer Reading Challenge Week 1

 

Little Women: The Complete Novel, Featuring Letters and Ephemera from the Characters’ Correspondence 

Written and Folded by Hand Curated by Barbara Heller

There isn't much to say except WOW! This edition of Little Women (Parts I and II) features hand written letters and notes from the Marches, Lawrences, and Hannah; the Pickwick Portfolio; Amy's will; Joe's poem "My Beth" and Fritz's newspaper clipping of Jo's poem "In the Garret."

The introduction explains Barbara Heller's connection with the novel and how it came to be one of her favorites. It's obvious she shares a special bond with her sister much like the March sisters. They read and discuss the book over and over! The introduction also explains how the scribes conducted research into 19th-century handwriting, letters, Civil War letters, newspapers, telegraphs and anything they could find to copy and tweak to fit the novel. As a nerdy historian and archivist, this level of commitment and attention to detail makes my nerdy heart sing! I've seen MANY 19th-century letters, including Civil War letters of all types and I can attest to the fact that these people did their homework. All the documents look so real. For instance, you can see the lines on Mr. Lawrence's stationery, indicating he's wealthy enough to afford rag paper when wood pulp paper was cheap and the new big thing. Incredible! Hannah writes a note to "Mis March" on the back of an advertisement for something called "pineapple cheese."

I especially loved the Pickwick Portfolio, entirely handwritten by each of the four "gentlemen." I also loved how Amy's letters contain ink blots. Jo's writing frequently features crossouts since her hand can't keep up with her mind. The newspaper ads on the back of Jo's poem are a nice touch and completely hilarious. I love 19th century newspaper ads.

The back of the book features an extensive bibliography where you can find the original sources for the documents in this book and biographies of the artists. It's clear this was a labor of love for all of them.

My only complaint is I want more! I'm experienced at reading 19th-century handwriting so it's not a problem for me. I think readers would like to see Jo's first letter home from New York full of "Beherness"- the first inkling we have that Jo is about to lose her heart at last. Watching Amy grow through her letters would be nice too. We see Laurie's growth but not much of Amy. 

This book is a must have for true Little Women fans and collectors. Those who love and appreciate the book arts will want to own this one too. I also have Pride and Prejudice which is gorgeous! Pictures can be seen on Barbara Heller's website.