Susan Cheever's comprehensive and definitive biography sheds new light on the life of Louisa May Alcott, whose work has inspired generations of women. Cheever laces this provocative biography with musings on the genesis of genius, and her identification with Jo March when she was a rebellious girl in the throes of puberty.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Preface: a trip to Concord -- Trailing clouds of glory, 1832-1849 -- Concord. Louisa in exile, 1840-1843 -- Fruitlands. Family in crisis, 1843-1848 -- Boston. "Stick to your teaching", 1848-1858 -- Orchard House, 1858-1862 -- Fredericksburg. At the Union Hospital, 1863-1865 -- The writer, 1861-1868 -- Little women, 1868-1872 -- Success, 1873-1880 -- Lulu, 1880-1888.