Short Stories (Dover Thrift Editions)

by Louisa May Alcott

Book Overview

Before she wrote Little Women -- one of the most popular books for children ever written -- Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) served during the Civil War as a volunteer nurse in Washington, D.C. Drawing... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0486290638
• Release Date: July 2010
• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Length: 64 Pages
• Weight: 0.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 0.3" x 5.5"

Customer Reviews

Did Nothing For Me.

I Was So Eager To Read And Disappointed. I Know She Has Written A Good Deal Of Works And Good Works. I Can't I Paid $4 For This Tiny Book. And Stories Are Not Grasping My Attention. I Love To Read And Usually Devour Books Quickly.

A solid collection of Alcott's stories

The Dover Thrift Edition of "Short Stories" by Louisa May Alcott contains 5 pieces: "Obtaining Supplies," "A Night," "My Contraband," "Happy Women," and "How I Went Out to Service." The book includes a brief introductory note on the life and career of Alcott.The first two stories are from Alcott's "Hospital Sketches"; together with the third story, they deal with protagonists who work as nurses for Civil War soldiers. "My Contraband" has as a key theme the legacy of slavery. "Happy Women" is more of a sketch celebrating single women, and the final piece tells the "serio-comico experience" of a young woman who goes to work as a domestic companion.I read this book shortly after reading Alcott's novel "The Inheritance," written when she was only 17; that simple but charming work makes for a fascinating contrast with the polished maturity of the pieces in this volume. Overall, this collection shows Alcott's wit, humor, compassion for humanity, attentive eye, and particular concern for women's issues. This short (55 + vii pages) book is a wonderful collection by one of the most remarkable figures in American literature.

Early short stories still show great talent.

Even though Miss Alcott didn't have as much writing experience when she wrote these short stories, they are still a wonderful read. The first two stories are from 'Hospital Sketches'and are wonderful. "A Night" is a gripping acount based on her experience as a Civil War nurse. In the story a nurse is staying up all night with a dying soldier. The story is beautiful. "My Contraband" is a sad tale of how the war and slavery tore apart families. The last two stories are an enjoyable read also. Hey, for 90 cents this book is more than worth the price. If you like Louisa May Alcott, you won't be dissapointed with these stories, so give this book a try.

A charming array of little stories

Many of these brief but captivating stories are lovely, but one in particular captured my interest, and that was about the secret lives of silverware. There are other nonsensical but entertaining stories in this volume, all of which are perfect to read aloud to young children. The fact that these are lesser known makes it an all the more intriguing addition to your library. Simply enchanting!