The Annotated Little Women (The Annotated Books)

PERFECTION I have several other versions of Little women, but this one is just over the top gorgeous! I love love, love the annotations!

Great info but be aware it is the size of an encyclopedia. Still love it

I am so enjoying this annotated version, with many interesting details previously unknown to me, and a good value for the price. Having loved this book for 45 years, but not understanding some of the literary references, it truly is a refreshing look at an old favorite. I am also enjoying learning about the real Alcott family and the historic backdrop. This is a substantial book with many photos and illustrations for presentation and the perfect gift for the many lovers of Little Women. Yes , it is fairly heavy and hard to read in bed, but I am managing a few blissful pages each night before I drop off and dream of the wonderful March sisters.

I loved reading "Little Women" once again (second reading as an adult) with a greater understanding of all that went into the novel. The annotations added much to my reading pleasure; very satisfying to delve into this book more deeply. I read John Matteson's biography of Louisa and her father Bronson (highly recommend) and plan to read his biography of Margaret Fuller soon. This book is beautiful except for the cover, which curves upwards on the sides as if the spine is pulling at the edges. That's the reason I gave it 4 stars rather than 5. Such a beautiful book deserves a more appropriate cover.

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.

My daughter loved receiving this gift. The annotations helped her gain more clarity/context.

My mom has always loved reading Little Women as a yearly tradition. I chose this because it was an edition true to the original literature, but very unique in the annotation and extra features. I couldn't be more satisfied with this as a gift. My mom was thrilled to get it on Christmas morning... and we now have a family heirloom. The historical notes and pictures in this edition sets it apart. I chose it after a lengthy shopping process... I recommend it to anyone.

...You may begin to long to know...what exactly are “pickled limes” (there’s a recipe), how precisely does this story fit to the lives of LMA and her sisters, and are those feminist readings supportable? This book will answer those questions. Copious footnotes cover historical context, family history, and literary connections. Many photos, both historical and of the many adaptations, stage and screen. I still have questions about some of the details of everyday life that LMA assumes we will understand, which are not covered by the footnotes, but how delighted I am to finally know that “May” is a family name and not some sort of double first name as I had foolishly assumed! Not for first time readers but a goldmine for faithful returnees.

So extremely fortunate to encounter this book. It clarified so much of what I , being a Japanese, a foreigner to the culture and customs of that period of North America always wandered about what I read ! The book is truly fascinating to me!

A solid, scholarly edition of the beloved classic that's essential for fans interested in exploring the parallels between Alcott's life and fiction. The annotations are a bit sparse but well-chosen, and in combination with the lengthy introductory essays very satisfying.

This was bought as a birthday present for my wife who is totally wowed by it. Her only complaint is that it is not a bed-time book, it is too heavy to hold without a rest!!

Un gran libro. Es genial que incluya tantísima información y todas las anotaciones. Tengo también el de "Dracula" de Bram Stoker, mi favorito. Compraré más. La letra podría ser un poquito más grande, eso sí. Lo que es ridículo es el precio de las ediciones en español. Es casi el doble que las inglesas.

An excellent book! My Mum hasn't put it down since receiving it!