Photo: GRANGERIn the annals of irresponsible utopianism, few names stand out like that of Bronson Alcott. Bronson’s propensity to run up debts and alienate supporters sank his young family into poverty. Had it not been for the busy and lucrative pen of their second daughter, Louisa May, the Alcott family might have disappeared into the footnotes of history. As it is, they remain a subject of fascination, for Louisa (1832-88) would produce not only the novels “Little Women” (1868) and “Little Men” (1871) but also short stories and brilliant nonfiction sketches. Grab a Copy A Strange Life: Selected Essays of Louisa May Alcott By Louisa May Alcott Notting Hill Editions 168 pages We may earn a commission when you buy products through the links on our site.

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Persons: GRANGER, Bronson Alcott, Abigail, Louisa May, Alcott, Louisa, Louisa May Alcott, Louisa May Alcott Notting, Barnes, Charles Lane, ’, Liz Rosenberg Organizations: Louisa May Alcott Notting Hill, Noble Locations: Fredericksburg, Va, New England, Massachusetts