1832–1888 · American novelist
Louisa May Alcott
Louisa May Alcott (1832–1888) was an American novelist born in Germantown, Pennsylvania.
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Louisa May Alcott (1832–1888) was an American novelist known for stories of growing up. Begin with Little Women; Or, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy, her best-known novel. Read or listen here: eBook, audiobook and 15-minute summary, and paperback, hardcover or large print, printed at cost, free to start.
Where to start with Louisa May Alcott
Start hereLittle Women; Or, Meg, Jo, Beth, and AmySettle into a long family story, following four sisters whose different hopes bring growing up into focus.
Read nextEight CousinsTry a shorter family novel, following an orphaned girl as she finds her place among unfamiliar relatives.
Read nextFlower FablesChoose fairy tales for a change of setting, with talking flowers and fairies facing tests of kindness and courage.
Louisa May Alcott's books in order
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Novels
| # | First published | Book | Kind | Listening time | Read |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1864 | Moods A young woman's changing feelings shape her choices in love. | Novel | 9 h 44 min | Free to startRead free |
| 2 | 1866 | Behind a Mask; Or, a Woman's Power A governess uses deception to gain wealth and position. | Novel | 4 h 37 min | Free to startRead free |
| 3 | 1868 | Little Women; Or, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy Four sisters face growing up with little money and different hopes. | Novel | 21 h 57 min | Free to startRead free |
| 4 | 1870 | An Old-Fashioned Girl A country girl meets city fashions and changing expectations. | Novel | 11 h 46 min | Free to startRead free |
| 5 | 1871 | Little Men: Life at Plumfield With Jo's Boys Children learn to live together at a country school. | Novel | 11 h 57 min | Free to startRead free |
| 6 | 1873 | Work: A Story of Experience A young woman seeks independence through work and chosen purpose. | Novel | 13 h 31 min | Free to startRead free |
| 7 | 1875 | Eight Cousins An orphaned girl adjusts to life with seven boy cousins. | Novel | 8 h 20 min | Free to startRead free |
| 8 | 1876 | Rose in Bloom A young woman weighs love, family expectations, and independence. | Novel | 10 h 43 min | Free to startRead free |
| 9 | 1880 | Jack and Jill Two friends face a long recovery after a sledding accident. | Novel | 10 h 36 min | Free to startRead free |
| 10 | 1886 | Jo's Boys Former pupils face adult choices about work and love. | Novel | 11 h 28 min | Free to startRead free |
Stories and shorter works
| # | First published | Book | Kind | Listening time | Read |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1854 | Flower Fables Fairies and talking flowers learn kindness through their trials. | Stories | 3 h 51 min | Free to startRead free |
| 2 | · | The Louisa Alcott Reader Stories for children show kindness, courage, and imagination in daily life. | Stories | 9 h 14 min | Free to startRead free |
Letters and non-fiction
| # | First published | Book | Kind | Listening time | Read |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1889 | Louisa May Alcott: Her Life, Letters, and Journals An author's letters and journals trace poverty, work, and success. | Letters | 12 h 57 min | Free to startRead free |
Read and hear all 13 Louisa May Alcott books
eBook, audiobook and 15-minute summary, and printed at cost price as a paperback, hardcover or large print. Household access for the whole family. Free to start.
About Louisa May Alcott
Louisa May Alcott (1832–1888) was an American novelist born in Germantown, Pennsylvania. She lived mainly in Massachusetts, including Boston and Concord. She wrote Little Women, published in two parts in 1868 and 1869, An Old-Fashioned Girl in 1870, Little Men in 1871, and Work: A Story of Experience in 1873.
- Born
- 1832
- Died
- 1888
- Best known for
- Little Women; Or, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy, Eight Cousins, Flower Fables
Questions about Louisa May Alcott
In what order should I read Louisa May Alcott?
Read in order of first publication, oldest first, as the table on this page shows. Or begin with the starting picks if you would rather choose by length or setting.
Where do I start with Louisa May Alcott?
Begin with Little Women; Or, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy for a long family story about four sisters. For a shorter introduction, choose Eight Cousins, or try the fairy tales in Flower Fables.
What is generally regarded as Louisa May Alcott's most famous book?
Little Women; Or, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy is generally regarded as her most famous novel. It follows four sisters growing up in New England, with different hopes and little money at home.
Which Louisa May Alcott books are the shortest?
By listening time, the shortest are Flower Fables (3 hours and 51 minutes), Behind a Mask; Or, a Woman's Power (4 hours and 37 minutes) and Eight Cousins (8 hours and 20 minutes).
Can I get Louisa May Alcott's books in print?
Yes. Every book here comes as a paperback, hardcover or large print, printed when you order; start free and you pay only the cost of printing. Choose the title you want, then select the print format that suits your reading.
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