Little Women (Penguin Classics)

Little Women (Penguin Classics)

One of the best loved books of all time.ominated as one of America?s best-loved novels by PBS?s The Great American ReadLovely Meg, talented Jo, frail Beth, spoiled Amy: these are hard lessons of poverty and of growing up in New England during the Civil War. Through their dreams, plays, pranks, letters, illnesses, and courtships, women of all ages have become a part of this remarkable family and have felt the deep sadness when Meg leaves the circle of sisters to be married at the end of Part I. Part II, chronicles Meg's joys and mishaps as a young wife and mother, Jo's struggle to become a writer, Beth's tragedy, and Amy's artistic pursuits and unexpected romance. Based on Louisa May Alcott's childhood, this lively portrait of nineteenth- century family life possesses a lasting vitality that has endeared it to generations of readers.For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.Review"The American female myth."-Madelon BedellAbout the AuthorLouisa May Alcott?as born in Pennsylvania, in 1832, the second of four daughters. After a period of serving as an army nurse, she published?ospital Sketches?n 1863, followed by Gothic Romances and lurid thrillers. In 1868-9, she published?ittle Women, which proved so popular that it was followed by two sequels and several other novels. She died in 1888.Elaine Showalter is the author of the groundbreaking A Literature of Their Own and editor of Little Women for Penguin Classics.Excerpt. ?Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.Playing Pilgrims"Christmas won't be Christmas without any presents,"grumbled Jo, lying on the rug."It's so dreadful to be poor!"sighed Meg, looking down at her old dress."I don't think it's fair for some girls to have lots of pretty things, and other girls nothing at all," added little Amy, with an injured sniff."We've got father and mother, and each other, anyhow,"said Beth, contentedly, from her corner.The four young faces on which the firelight shone brightened at the cheerful words, but darkened again as Jo said sadly?"We haven't got father, and shall not have him for a long time." She didn't say "perhaps never,"but each silently added it, thinking of father far away, where the fighting was.Nobody spoke for a minute; then Meg said in an altered tone, "You know the reason mother proposed not having any presents this Christmas, was because it's going to be a hard winter for every one; and she thinks we ought not to spend money for pleasure, when our men are suffering so in the army. We can't do much, but we can make our little sacrifices, and ought to do it gladly. But I am afraid I don't;"and Megshook her head, as she thought regretfully of all the pretty things she wanted."But I don't think the little we should spend would do any good. We've each got a dollar, and the army wouldn't be much helped by our giving that. I agree not to expect anything from mother or you, but I do want to buyUndine and Sintram for myself; I've wanted it so long,'said Jo, who was a bookworm."I planned to spend mine in new music,"said Beth, with a little sigh, which no one heard but the hearth-brush and kettle-holder."I shall get a nice box of Faber's drawing pencils; I really need them," said Amy, decidedly."Mother didn't say anything about our money, and she won't wish us to give up everything. Let's each buy what we want, and have a little fun; I'm sure we grub hard enough to earn it,"cried Jo, examining the heels of herboots in a gentlemanly manner."I know I do, teaching those drea