by Louisa May Alcott
First Thus | The John C. Winston Company | 1926
A classic of American children’s literature, Little Women is a semi-autobiographical novel by Lousia May Alcott that follows the coming-of-age adventures of the four March sisters during the Civil War. Originally published in two volumes by Roberts Brothers in 1868 and 1869, it was later combined into a single, two-part novel in 1880.
This particular edition, published in 1926 by The John C. Winston Company, features watercolor illustrations by Clara Miller Burd. Trained in both New York and Paris, Burd worked as a stained glass designer for J&R Lamb Studios; the Church Glass and Decorating Company; and, notably, the Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company. Her glasswork can be seen in churches and cemeteries across New York and the Midwest.
As already noted, Burd also illustrated numerous books and magazines throughout her artistic career. Included in her list of work are all three books in the “Little Women Series”–Little Women, Little Men, and Jo’s Boys. This is great news for collector’s who would like to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy as seen through Burd’s imaginative eyes.